Discover the ultimate anime bucket list! With countless series out there, it’s impossible to watch them all—so we’ve curated the must-watch anime you shouldn’t miss before you die.
We all love anime. Some of us pride ourselves on watching the most obscure shows imaginable. The more obscure, the truer the fan that you are so to speak. However, is there a comprehensive list of mainstream anime that needs to be watched before you shuffle off into the afterlife? Here are the top recommendations for some of the most popular anime to watch before you die.
Recommended Series Part 1:
1. Hunter x Hunter
Plot
Hunter x Hunter follows the journey of Gon; a young boy who had been told from birth that his parents were dead. However, upon learning that this wasn’t entirely true, Gon sets out to take the Hunter Exam, achieve the coveted title of ‘Hunter’, and hopefully, gain insight into his father’s whereabouts.
Genre
Naruto. Bleach. One Piece. Dragon Ball. The big three (plus one) lived together in harmony. Then, everything changed when One Piece writers revealed it was only halfway through the story after more than 700 episodes. Only Hunter x Hunter, a subverter of all Shounen tropes, could stop them, but when the world needed them most, they went on hiatus.
Contender for the greatest action anime of all time, Hunter x Hunter is what fully realised Shounen look at with envy and what baby Shounen wants to grow up to be. It seems the author knew the dangers of oversaturation. This appears to be the most plausible explanation for the numerous hiatuses that have affected Hunter x Hunter over the years.
Background
The original series debuted in 1999 and was the introduction to the world of Gon and his pals. However, to achieve a more polished and refined animation style; the series was remade from scratch in 2011 (titled as such; Hunter x Hunter 2011) and even continues past the point where the original ended (though remaining faithful to the manga). For those with real-life responsibilities who can’t spend ten hours a day watching both seasons, the 2011 version is worth devoting your time to.
Memorable Moment
One of the series’ standout moments is an arduous fight between our protagonist Gon and an assailant known as Genthru Bomber.
2. My Hero Academia
Plot
In a world rife with superhumans, the strength of a person’s unique power or “quirk” can determine their livelihood. Midoriya Izuku, a die-hard fan of all things superhero, discovers one day that he is quirk-less and will be doomed to a life of normalcy. This is until a chance encounter with the number one superhero All Might, which leads to Izuku being chosen as his successor and becoming imbued with his powers. Now, he trains at UA, a specialist school designed for up-and-coming superheroes, in hopes of one day becoming the best.
Genre
My Hero Academia is a love letter to all those who grew up binging Shounen anime. As the big three faded into finality (barring One Piece of course but fifteen shots to the brain couldn’t stop that freight train moving), they handed off the symbolic reins to My Hero Academia, in hopes that it could inspire a new generation. It’s not the most unique anime you will ever watch. Parts of it may have you questioning as to whether or not this is just a more polished Naruto rerun.
Background
Yet, this lack of subtlety is so endearing that we as an audience can’t help but be entranced. Yes, it’s a typical Shounen. An action-heavy. Fight-scene-heavy. Impassioned-speech-heavy. Bandages-are-magic-heavy. Discussing-friendship-in-a-way-that-leads-you-to believe-it’s-some-kind-of-strength-enhancing-steroid-heavy kind of storyline.
However, it strays just enough from the beaten path to blossom into something unique yet charmingly familiar. Any anime fan should struggle to watch this scene without getting goosebumps.
Memorable Moment
This fight scene in its entirety just encapsulates the spirit of My Hero Academia and Shounen in general. This being: balls to the wall spectacle. You sit through the context and the monologues and are rewarded with a badass fight scene to cap off the story thus far.
Now in its Final Season (2025-2026), MHA is wrapping up a seven-year run — making this a good moment to dive in and binge the full saga.
3. One Piece
Detailed action figure of Monkey D. Luffy from One Piece. Source: Jay
Plot
Luffy, a man instilled with the power of rubber due to his consumption of a Devil Fruit, sails the seas with his crewmates in hopes of discovering rumoured treasure and becoming the Pirate King.
Genre
Starting this show, now more than ever can be a daunting task. If you have to click to page fifteen just to get to episode one, or open Wikipedia every time you take a break to recall where you stopped, it can be off-putting, to say the least.
“I know I was somewhere between episode twenty and two-hundred and twenty. Hmm…”
However, there is a reason why this show’s manga variant is the highest selling series of all time. This is a bucket list anime and one of the kings of Shounen. While its competitors (namely; Bleach and Naruto) have fallen in the harsh Winter, One Piece stands firm – a proud oak that’s going to take a literal lightning bolt from Enel himself to topple over.
Background
It’s one that just has to be watched for nothing more than its impact on the anime industry. The compelling story is just gravy. Try not to look at the length of the show as a detriment but as a bonus. With such great action and interesting characters, you’ll be spoilt for choice with the amount you get to sit through.
Just be sure to take regular bathroom breaks, drink lots of water, and hook yourself up to a catheter if you don’t have the energy to make it to the fridge.
Memorable Moment
In a series as long as this, everyone is going to have their favourite moment. However, everything that makes One Piece epic; watching the lives of these absolute titans of combat play out, is entirely realised in this short scene. Few moments in anime are as iconic as “The Walk to Arlong Park.”
4. Death Note
Close-up of Death Note, referencing the popular manga and anime series. Source: Sahand Babali
Plot
The story of a studious student, Light Yagami, who one day happens upon a book with the power to kill any whose name is written within its pages. Light decides to use his newfound discovery to purge the world of criminality. Will he be found out before he accomplishes his goal?
Genre
Death Note is frequently recommended as an ideal entry point for viewers who do not typically watch anime. It has a mystery thriller plot that lends itself to so many forms of media, that you have a plethora of options to choose from.
If you want to watch an anime with your friend who hates the medium, stick on the live-action movies, the TV series, or even the musical (we don’t talk about the Netflix adaptation). It has such a compelling storyline that will keep you glued to your seat until the very end.
Background
Death Note actually has a rather entertaining English dub as well for those not looking to read a slew of subtitles. Who could forget the dramatic undertaking Light undergoes to satiate his otherworldly hunger? Those damn potato chips have had it too good for too long now!
Memorable Moment
Death Note is an anime for the ages and one of the first that springs to mind when branching outside your Shounen comfort zone. Although, be prepared for even more monologuing than even the lengthiest episode of Dragon Ball.
5. Full Metal Alchemist Brotherhood
Plot
The story follows brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric who, after a disastrous attempt at reviving their deceased mother through a method known as alchemy, are left missing parts of or their entire body respectively. They set out in search of a way to restore their original forms.
Genre
There is a reason why this anime is widely considered to be the greatest of all time. A perfect cocktail of compelling storylines, varied and unique characters, and some of the greatest opening theme songs around. For many viewers, Fullmetal Alchemist represents the quintessential anime experience.
Categorising this into a specific genre is difficult. Slapping ‘adventure fiction’ on the cover just doesn’t do it justice. It is the antithesis of anime and should be recognised as such.
Background
Like Hunter x Hunter, this show has two series available for watching. The original follows the manga to a certain point before diverging and telling its own story. For those looking for the true Full Metal Alchemist experience, Brotherhood should be your go-to choice.
Memorable Moment
This show is packed with so many moments but for value, you just can’t go wrong with the absolute decimation of Envy. After the death of his closest friend resulting in one of the most gut-punching scenes ever witnessed in anime, Roy Mustang sets out to seek his revenge.
What follows is an enraged assault on one of the perpetrators that led to the previously mentioned murder.
A glorious spectacle into the combination of story-driven action. Few scenes define the series as effectively as this one.
6. One-Punch Man
Plot
Undisputed strongest man alive Saitama has grown weary of his enemies’ attempts to defeat him. Being able to defeat any challenger with only one punch, he seeks a worthy opponent, able to help him recapture a sense of adversity.
Genre
Requiring a little more knowledge as to the clichés that plague most modern action anime, One-Punch Man retaliates with its own unique blend of satire and comedy. One-Punch Man is a story akin to no other. In a world where characters spend multiple episodes powering up their finishing blows, monologuing endlessly about the need for friendship in attaining power, One-Punch Man stands alone; diverging from the trends that hamper its Shounen brethren.
Taking a much more barebones approach to its story; what would happen if a protagonist could defeat any enemy he faced down with a single punch? It wouldn’t make for a very interesting story now, would it?
That is where genius writing comes into play. Our protagonist, despite being the unmatched, strongest human being on the planet, is unrecognised by the public due to his inability to take being a hero seriously.
Someone who is a self-proclaimed ‘hero for fun’, cannot hope to compete with the flashy and extravagant styles of many of the other heroes inhabiting his world. As such, his apathy sees Saitama in the lower rankings of the hero food chain. Attempting to work his way to the top, he and his partner Genos (a cyborg who acknowledges Saitama’s power and wishes to study under him) undergo a series of battles to raise their standings in society and search for someone who can give Saitama a run for his money.
Background
The anime itself sends a beautiful message about the ideology of heroism. Strength is irrelevant in the face of true adversity. All that is important is the strength of one’s conviction. To tackle any problem no matter the stakes. The Deep-Sea King arc, specifically Mumen Rider’s entrance, stands as one of the series’ most emotionally impactful moments.
Such an inspiring message goes hand in hand with the show’s initial creation. One-Punch Man initially debuted as a webcomic by author ONE. However, the following image should be telling as to why it did not have a breakout success as you might first assume.
Not one to give up so easily, ONE released his project into the wild. It would not be until ONE partnered with a different mangaka, that the series would explode into the flashy phenomenon that we have today.
Memorable Moment
We had always known of Saitama’s power. It’s made evident from the very first episode. However, up until now, it had only been used as a punchline. This scene shows Genos, and we as viewers, uncovering the true devastating force of Saitama’s punch.
7. Bleach
Action figures of Ichigo Kurosaki and Renji Abarai from the anime series Bleach.
Plot
Another member of the big three yet probably the least talked about, Bleach details the life of Kurosaki Ichigo; a student with the ability to perceive spirits. Upon being attacked by a Hollow (a large monster), Ichigo takes on the powers of a Shinigami (Soul Reaper) from another Shinigami – Kuchiki Rukia.
Genre
For many Western viewers who grew up watching series such as Pokémon and Yu-Gi-Oh! on morning television, Bleach served as an introduction to anime beyond children’s programming and left a lasting impression.
For many viewers, this series serves as an introduction to the shōnen genre, showcasing its signature blend of flashy visuals, extraordinary powers, and exhilarating battles.
Background
Bleach is the smallest with regards to episode number out of the big three. This is then amplified by the fact that it’s bedeviled by a number that is anime exclusive (otherwise known as ‘filler’) which deviates from the manga entirely. The anime often gave the impression that every other story arc was filler.
Saving Rukia Arc, BOOM; Bount arc. Arrancar and Espada Arc, BOOM; Rurichiyo arc, Espada part two, BOOM; fighting…the Zanpakuto…because…logic?
There are some highlights. Fillers can be done right in special cases (see Katekyo Hitman Reborn) and the Zanpakuto Rebellion arc, in particular, was fairly interesting but feel free to do your research and skip the stories that don’t attract you.
Memorable Moment
Readers interested in one of the most memorable moments in the series can explore the scene where Ichigo rescues Rukia.
8. Neon Genesis Evangelion
Plot
Neon Genesis follows the life of Shinji Ikari when one day, he is summoned by his estranged father and told from this point onward he will be piloting a large Evangelion bio-machine, to fend off a wave of invading enemies, known as Angels.
Genre
While it may initially appear to be a conventional mecha anime, the series contains such rich psychological and thematic depth that its mecha elements often feel secondary to its character-driven narrative.
When not operating their Evangelion, the teenage pilots wrestle with the pressure that comes from being at such a young age yet burdened with such responsibility. Neon Genesis is a masterclass in successfully blending action with the plot.
Background
One of the symbols of Japanese anime, this show has spawned countless movies, memorabilia, video games, and more.
Memorable Moment
Unlike the series’ larger action set pieces, this understated interaction between two central characters stands out as one of its most meaningful and memorable moments.
Yes, Neon Genesis features heavy mech battles but it shouldn’t be forgotten that children are piloting these behemoths. Children with feelings, urges, fears, and more. They get bored when there is nothing to do and they get embarrassed when they are teased. Behind the war, there is a compelling character-driven narrative behind this show, and this scene serves as an excellent example of that strength.
9. Demon Slayer (Kimetsu no Yaiba)
Plot
Tanjiro, a perfectly normal boy who sells coal for a living, returns one day to find his family has been murdered by a demon. Leaving only his sister Nezuko alive, yet transformed into a dangerous half-demon herself, the two set off on a quest to find the demon who killed their family and, hopefully, return Nezuko to being a human.
Genre
One of the most recent entries on this list, no one expected Kimetsu no Yaiba to leave such a lasting impact on the anime industry. While not as thought-provoking as something like Neon Genesis, Kimetsu no Yaiba throws its hat into the ring of shonen adventure and makes it clear that it isn’t here to play games. With absolutely gorgeous and fluid animation, this show is a must-watch for any fan of the big three, or more recent shows such as My Hero Academia or Black Clover.
Background
One of the symbols of Japanese anime, this show has spawned countless movies, memorabilia, video games, and more.
Memorable Moment
Rather than choosing one key moment that made the series for me, take a look at this short compilation for a look at why this animation just oozes style.
10. Naruto (+Shippuden)
Action figure of Kakashi Hatake from the Naruto. Source: Maha Khairy
Plot
The story of a young aspiring ninja. Imbued with the power of a demon fox, Naruto has long been ostracised from society. Now, he seeks to become recognised by his peers in hopes of one day becoming his village’s leader, otherwise known as the Hokage.
Genre
Naruto and its sequel Shippuden, are Shounen through and through. Sprawling worlds, countless side characters, and crazy powers are all that are on the menu for this show. There are moments of heartache and romance, but these are few and far between. Gear up for a nonstop cavalcade of fighting and action as you power through some of the greatest storylines and most forgettable fillers that anime has to offer.
Background
A bit of advice from one binger to another. From episodes 143 to 219 of the original series, there are nonstop filler episodes until the sequel, Shippuden, begins. Viewers may wish to skip these episodes, as they contribute little to the overall narrative and are widely regarded as among the weaker parts of the series.
While filler episodes serve the practical purpose of allowing time for the manga to distance itself from the anime, fillers in general just aren’t the same experience. Stories about flashbacks, mermaids and so far, those are still only Naruto’s storylines.
Memorable Moment
While both series have so many great fight scenes, this scene from the original series highlights what makes Naruto so special.
Fans had been teased with an ultimate Naruto and Sasuke showdown from the beginning of the show. Finally, after witnessing so many other great fights versus the Sound Five, all the build-up comes to a roaring climax. Naruto is great at setting things up to be toppled over at a later date. Then, when they finally decide to give you what you want, they do so in spectacular fashion in a way that made the wait all the more satisfying.
For those not ready to leave the land of Konoha just yet, Boruto is a sequel to Naruto, following the misadventures of Naruto’s son with an entirely new cast of characters.
