The Ultimate Guide to the Number 1 Recommended Anime

Are you looking for the ultimate anime experience? Look no further! In this guide, we will unveil the number 1 recommended anime that has taken the world by storm. From its captivating storyline to its stunning visuals, this anime is a must-watch for all anime enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or a newcomer to the world of anime, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to know about the number 1 recommended anime. So, sit back, relax, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable anime journey!

What is the Number 1 Recommended Anime?

Determining the Top Anime

Popularity

One of the key factors in determining the number 1 recommended anime is its popularity. This can be measured by the number of viewers it has attracted over time, as well as its presence on social media and online forums. Popular anime titles often have a large and dedicated fan base, and are often considered to be some of the best in the genre.

Critical acclaim

Another important factor in determining the top anime is critical acclaim. This refers to the level of praise and recognition that an anime title has received from critics and industry professionals. Anime titles that have won awards or been included on “best of” lists are often considered to be some of the most highly regarded in the genre.

Fan base opinions

The opinions of the fan base are also an important consideration when determining the number 1 recommended anime. Fans are often the most passionate and knowledgeable about a particular title, and their opinions can provide valuable insights into what makes an anime truly great. Online communities and forums are a great place to gather feedback and opinions from fans, and can help to identify the most highly regarded titles in the genre.

Criteria for a Top Anime

When it comes to determining the number one recommended anime, there are several criteria that must be considered. These criteria are used to evaluate the overall quality and appeal of an anime series, and they include:

Engaging storyline

An engaging storyline is crucial for a top anime. The plot should be compelling and keep the viewer engaged from start to finish. It should have a clear beginning, middle, and end, and the events should flow logically and coherently. A well-crafted storyline can make an anime series stand out from the rest and leave a lasting impression on viewers.

Well-developed characters

Well-developed characters are also essential for a top anime. The characters should be believable and relatable, with distinct personalities and motivations. They should also undergo significant character development throughout the series, which helps to create a deeper emotional connection with the audience. A strong cast of characters can make an anime series more enjoyable and memorable.

Superior animation and artwork

Superior animation and artwork are important factors in determining a top anime. The animation should be smooth and fluid, with attention to detail in every frame. The artwork should be visually appealing and enhance the overall aesthetic of the series. High-quality animation and artwork can enhance the viewing experience and make an anime series more immersive and engaging.

Unique themes and genre

Unique themes and genre are also important considerations for a top anime. The series should explore themes that are thought-provoking and relevant to modern society. It should also belong to a genre that is well-executed and stands out from other anime series in the same genre. A unique theme or genre can make an anime series more appealing to a wider audience and set it apart from other series in the market.

Overall, these criteria help to determine the number one recommended anime by evaluating the overall quality and appeal of the series. An anime that excels in these areas is likely to be well-received by viewers and become a beloved classic in the anime community.

Voting and Ranking Systems

When it comes to determining the number one recommended anime, there are several voting and ranking systems that come into play. These systems allow anime fans to vote for their favorite series, providing insight into which anime are considered the best by the community. In this section, we will take a closer look at three popular voting and ranking systems: MAL (MyAnimeList), IMDB (Internet Movie Database), and Anime! Anime forums.

MAL (MyAnimeList)

MyAnimeList is one of the most popular anime and manga communities online. The website provides users with the ability to create lists of anime they have watched, as well as provide ratings and reviews. MAL also has a feature called “Anime Score,” which is calculated based on user ratings and reviews. The score is calculated on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the highest score possible.

IMDB (Internet Movie Database)

IMDB is a website that provides information on movies, TV shows, and anime. The website allows users to rate and review anime, as well as provide information on the cast and crew. IMDB also has a feature called “Top Rated Anime,” which lists the top rated anime based on user ratings.

Anime! Anime forums

Anime! Anime forums is a community-driven website that provides a platform for anime fans to discuss their favorite series. The website has a section called “Anime Recommendations,” where users can recommend anime to one another. The website also has a section called “Anime of the Year,” which lists the top rated anime of the year based on user votes.

Overall, these voting and ranking systems provide valuable insight into which anime are considered the best by the community. By analyzing the results of these systems, anime fans can discover new series to watch and enjoy.

Top Anime Series to Watch

#1: Studio Ghibli Films

Spirited Away

Spirited Away is a 2001 anime film directed by Hayao Miyazaki and produced by Studio Ghibli.
The film follows the story of a young girl named Chihiro who, while exploring a mysterious town, discovers that she and her parents have been transformed into animals by a witch.
Chihiro must navigate the strange and dangerous world of spirits in order to find a way to return her family to their human forms and escape the town.
Spirited Away is widely regarded as one of the greatest anime films of all time, and is known for its stunning animation, rich storytelling, and memorable characters.

My Neighbor Totoro

My Neighbor Totoro is a 1988 anime film directed by Hayao Miyazaki and produced by Studio Ghibli.
The film follows the story of two young girls, Satsuki and Mei, who move to a new house in the countryside and discover a friendly wood spirit named Totoro.
As they explore their new surroundings, Satsuki and Mei learn to appreciate the beauty of nature and the importance of friendship and family.
My Neighbor Totoro is known for its charming characters, whimsical storytelling, and stunning animation, and has become a beloved classic of the anime genre.

Princess Mononoke

Princess Mononoke is a 1997 anime film directed by Hayao Miyazaki and produced by Studio Ghibli.
The film follows the story of a young prince named Ashitaka, who becomes embroiled in a struggle between the human world and the spirit world when he is cursed by a powerful and angry boar god.
Princess Mononoke, also known as San, is a young woman who is on a mission to protect the forest from those who seek to exploit its resources.
As Ashitaka and San become embroiled in the conflict, they must navigate the complex web of political and spiritual tensions that threaten to tear their world apart.
Princess Mononoke is known for its epic scope, thought-provoking themes, and stunning animation, and is widely regarded as one of the greatest anime films of all time.

#2: Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

Plot Summary

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is a Japanese anime series that is based on the manga series of the same name by Hiromu Arakawa. The story follows the journey of two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, who use alchemy to restore their bodies after a failed attempt to bring their mother back to life. The series takes place in a fictional world where alchemy is one of the most advanced sciences, and the brothers travel across the country in search of the Philosopher’s Stone, a powerful alchemical object that can amplify and augment the user’s alchemical abilities.

Characters

The two main characters of the series are Edward and Alphonse Elric. Edward is a teenage boy with a strong sense of justice who seeks to become a state alchemist, while Alphonse is his younger brother who sacrifices his body to save Edward’s life, and ends up being trapped in a suit of armor. The series also features a large cast of supporting characters, including the protagonist’s childhood friend Roy Mustang, a skilled alchemist and candidate for the position of state alchemist; Winry Rockbell, a teenage girl who is skilled in automail engineering; and Scar, a former state alchemist who seeks revenge against the military.

Themes

The series explores several themes, including the consequences of playing with science and technology, the meaning of family and friendship, and the struggle between good and evil. The series also explores the idea of sacrifice, as the characters are often forced to make difficult choices that may cost them their lives or the lives of those they care about. Additionally, the series explores the concept of identity, as the characters struggle to find their place in the world and come to terms with their pasts.

#3: Death Note

Plot Summary

Death Note is a thrilling psychological anime series that follows the story of Light Yagami, a high school student who discovers a mysterious notebook with the power to kill anyone whose name is written within its pages. Light becomes obsessed with using the notebook to rid the world of criminals, leading him down a dangerous path of moral ambiguity and confrontation with a detective named L.

Characters

Light Yagami – The protagonist, a high school student who finds the Death Note and becomes the vigilante “Kira.”
L – A genius detective tasked with tracking down and apprehending Kira.
Misa Amane – A pop star who becomes infatuated with Light and gains the ability to see the name of the person she last touched, allowing her to assist Kira in his quest.
Ryuk – A shinigami (death god) who drops the Death Note into the human world as a curiosity.
Near – A teenage prodigy who is L’s successor and works to uncover Kira’s identity.

Themes

Morality – The series explores the gray area between good and evil as Light struggles with the consequences of his actions and the morality of his vigilantism.
Duality – Light and L represent two opposing sides of the same coin, both striving for their own sense of justice.
Psychological manipulation – The characters employ various tactics to outsmart each other, leading to a game of mental chess.
The power of conviction – The series examines how strong beliefs can drive individuals to take extreme actions and the potential consequences of such convictions.

#4: Neon Genesis Evangelion

Neon Genesis Evangelion is a Japanese anime series that first aired in 1995. The story is set in a future where humanity has been driven from Earth by powerful beings known as Angels. The story centers around a young boy named Shinji Ikari, who is recruited by his father, Gendo Ikari, to pilot a giant humanoid mecha known as an Evangelion, to fight against the Angels.

As the series progresses, the characters delve deeper into the mysteries surrounding the Angels and the Evangelions, as well as their own personal struggles. The series explores themes of existentialism, mental health, and the concept of humanity.

The main characters of Neon Genesis Evangelion are:

Shinji Ikari: The protagonist of the series, Shinji is a 14-year-old boy who is recruited by his father to pilot an Evangelion. He struggles with depression and anxiety, and his relationship with his father is a major focus of the series.
Asuka Langley Soryu: A skilled pilot and classmate of Shinji’s, Asuka is initially portrayed as arrogant and abrasive, but her character develops throughout the series as she confronts her own personal demons.
Rei Ayanami: A quiet and enigmatic girl who also pilots an Evangelion, Rei’s character is shrouded in mystery, and her true identity is a major plot point in the series.
Misato Katsuragi: A commander in the Evangelion unit, Misato serves as a mentor and mother figure to the young pilots, particularly Shinji.

Neon Genesis Evangelion explores a number of themes throughout its 26-episode run, including:

Existentialism: The series grapples with questions of existence and meaning, as the characters struggle to come to terms with their own mortality and the fate of humanity.
Mental health: The series deals with themes of depression, anxiety, and trauma, and how these issues can affect individuals and their relationships with others.
Humanity: The series raises questions about what it means to be human, and explores the boundaries between human and machine.

Overall, Neon Genesis Evangelion is a complex and thought-provoking series that delves into deep philosophical and psychological themes, while also delivering intense action and drama.

#5: Attack on Titan

Attack on Titan is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Hajime Isayama. It is set in a world where humanity lives inside cities surrounded by enormous walls; a defense against Titans, humanoids that eat humans without reason. The story centers around Eren Yeager, his adoptive sister Mikasa Ackerman, and their friend Armin Arlert, whose lives are changed forever after the destruction of their home town and the death of Eren’s mother at the hands of a Titan. As the three friends join the Scout Regiment, an elite group of soldiers who fight Titans, they begin to uncover the mysteries of their civilization and the Titans themselves, leading to a battle for survival against their monstrous foes.

The main characters of Attack on Titan are:

Eren Yeager: The protagonist of the story, Eren is determined to kill all Titans after his mother is eaten by one. He is also the son of the famous Titan Slayer, Grisha Yeager.
Mikasa Ackerman: Eren’s adoptive sister, Mikasa is fiercely protective of Eren and is also a skilled fighter.
Armin Arlert: Eren’s best friend, Armin is a curious and intelligent person who often provides crucial insights during battle.
Levi: A member of the Scout Regiment, Levi is a skilled fighter and is known for his agility and fighting skills.
Erwin Smith: The leader of the Scout Regiment, Erwin is a strategic thinker and a skilled fighter.

Attack on Titan explores several themes, including:

The human condition: The story examines the nature of humanity and the ways in which people react to extreme situations.
The search for truth: The characters are constantly seeking answers to the mysteries of their world, including the origins of the Titans and the true nature of their civilization.
Survival: The story is about survival in a world where death is a constant threat, and the characters must constantly struggle to stay alive.
Loyalty and betrayal: The story explores the complex relationships between the characters and the loyalty and betrayal that can arise in extreme situations.

#6: One Punch Man

One Punch Man is a popular anime series based on the Japanese superhero webcomic created by One. The story revolves around a powerful superhero named Saitama who can defeat any enemy with just a single punch. Despite his incredible strength, Saitama is struggling to find a worthy opponent and feels bored with his unmatched power. The series follows his journey as he meets new friends and enemies, and tries to find a sense of purpose in his life.

The story of One Punch Man is set in a world where superheroes exist and are ranked by their power levels. The protagonist, Saitama, is a highly powerful superhero who has trained for three years to gain his incredible strength. Despite his abilities, Saitama is not recognized by the Hero Association due to his lack of a unique costume and catchphrase. The story begins with Saitama saving a young boy from a monster attack, which leads him to join the Hero Association and start his journey to find a worthy opponent.

As the story progresses, Saitama encounters various villains and heroes, including Genos, a cyborg who becomes his disciple, and Masked Man, a mysterious figure who is revealed to be Saitama’s former martial arts instructor. The series also introduces the character of Dr. Manhattan, a supervillain who possesses similar powers to Saitama, and a group of monsters called the “Ninth Circle,” who threaten the city.

The main character of One Punch Man is Saitama, a powerful superhero who is bored with his unmatched strength. He is depicted as a calm and collected individual who does not enjoy the spotlight and prefers to keep a low profile. Saitama’s lack of recognition by the Hero Association frustrates him, and he sets out to find a worthy opponent who can challenge his abilities.

Genos is another important character in the series. He is a cyborg and a highly skilled martial artist who seeks revenge against the man who destroyed his home planet. Genos becomes Saitama’s disciple and learns the importance of patience and hard work from his mentor.

Other notable characters in the series include Masked Man, a mysterious figure who is revealed to be Saitama’s former martial arts instructor, and the monsters of the Ninth Circle, who pose a threat to the city.

The themes of One Punch Man include the concept of power and the struggle to find a sense of purpose. The series explores the idea of what it means to be a hero and the importance of helping others. Saitama’s journey to find a worthy opponent highlights the importance of setting goals and working towards them.

The series also touches on the theme of identity and the concept of self-discovery. Characters like Genos and Masked Man struggle with their own identities and seek to find their place in the world.

Overall, One Punch Man is a thrilling and entertaining anime series that explores themes of power, purpose, and identity. The series features a cast of unique and memorable characters, and its fast-paced action sequences are sure to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

FAQs

1. What is the number 1 recommended anime?

The number 1 recommended anime is a highly subjective topic, as different people have different tastes and preferences when it comes to anime. However, some popular anime that are often recommended by fans and critics alike include “Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away,” “Neon Genesis Evangelion,” “Cowboy Bebop,” “Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood,” “Death Note,” “Naruto Shippuden,” “One Piece,” “Attack on Titan,” and “Your Lie in April,” among many others.

2. Why is “Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away” considered the number 1 recommended anime?

“Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away” is considered the number 1 recommended anime by many fans and critics due to its stunning animation, engaging storyline, and memorable characters. The film follows a young girl named Chihiro as she explores a mysterious world filled with spirits and magic. It’s a beautiful and thought-provoking tale that appeals to both children and adults alike.

3. Are there any other anime like “Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away”?

Yes, there are several other anime that share similar themes and styles with “Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away.” Some examples include “My Neighbor Totoro,” “Princess Mononoke,” “Kiki’s Delivery Service,” and “The Secret World of Arrietty,” all of which are also produced by Studio Ghibli. These anime share the same beautiful animation and storytelling that make “Spirited Away” so beloved.

4. What is the difference between the original “Neon Genesis Evangelion” and the “Rebuild of Evangelion” series?

The original “Neon Genesis Evangelion” series is a classic mecha anime that follows a group of teenagers as they pilot giant robots called Evangelions to fight against monstrous creatures known as Angels. The series is known for its psychological themes and complex characters.
The “Rebuild of Evangelion” series is a remake of the original series, with updated animation and a slightly different storyline. The “Rebuild” series focuses more on action and features updated character designs and mecha. The first two films, “Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone” and “Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance,” are highly regarded for their stunning animation and action sequences.

5. What is the difference between the original “Cowboy Bebop” and the “Cowboy Bebop: Tengoku no Tsumugari” movie?

The original “Cowboy Bebop” series is a classic space western anime that follows a group of bounty hunters as they travel the galaxy in search of criminals. The series is known for its blend of action, comedy, and drama, as well as its iconic soundtrack.
The “Cowboy Bebop: Tengoku no Tsumugari” movie is a re-edit of the original series, with new footage and a slightly different storyline. The movie focuses on the character of Spike Spiegel and his past, and features new scenes and dialogue. It’s a great way for fans of the series to revisit the story and see some new content.