My Top 20 Favourite Anime

Some notable series that didn’t make the list are Toward the Terra (great science fiction plot), Hi no Tori (excellently told remake of Osamu Tezuka’s classic), Mysterious Cities of Gold (old yet awesome children’s adventure) and le Chevalier d’Eon (excellent storytelling in 17th Century France). #20: Now and Then, Here and There I’d like to start of this top 20 with what is probably one of the darkest series about a bunch of kids in existence. Now and Then, Here and There isn’t afraid to touch upon what most series consider taboo to show the harsh realities of child abuse and extortion, and it does so magnificently. Its second half may be a bit less impressive than the first, but that first half is an amazingly written story about an at first sight very annoying young kid. #19: Mushishi Ever since I finished this series, I’ve kept looking for another series that would match the terrific execution of Mushishi, but it really does seem that it is one of a kind. Every episode shows a different yet deep story about the clash between humans and strange creatures called `Mushi`. There are many different episodic series out there in which the lead character travels around and meets different people with their own problems, but out of all of them I consider Mushishi to be the best. The storytelling is always poignant and yet natural, and it always has a serene atmosphere. There are a bunch of stories near the end that miss the mark a bit, and the quiet pacing is definitely not for those who want action, but this is still a series that very rightfully established itself as a classic. #18: Figure 17 – Tsubasa & Hikaru Figure 17 is another very slowly paced series: it really takes its time to slowly let its story evolve, but that really allowed an incredibly in-depth look at the two lead characters. The long and slow slice of life scenes also formed a stark contrast with the action scenes, which were dark and brutal, and put the protagonists against what probably are some of the smartest monsters out there. with a fantastic OP and soundtrack, Figure 17 took various risks and it will be boring to a lot of people, but for me it really worked. #17: Kaze no Shoujo Emily Lucy Maud Montgomary has been the most famous for her Anne of Green Gables, which is a very fine story as well, but in my opinion Emily of the New Moon (or Kaze no Shoujo Emily, as it’s called in Japanese) is even better. It may not be as realistic as Anne of Green Gables (but then again, Anne of Green Gables is one of the most realistic anime ever), but it creates a very engaging and heart-warming drama around its four lead characters, who all have their own talents and are struggling to develop them. It’s got these wonderful themes of working towards your dreams, but the best part of this series is its finale, in which the characters all grow up and you get to see exactly what remains of these dreams. It’s a deep and insightful shoujo-series, with a strong yet flawed female lead character Emily. #16: Mouryou no Hako Mouryou no Hako is quite possibly one of the smartest anime out there. As a mystery-horror series, it packs an amazingly creative back-story, but it’s really the execution that sets this series apart. With a huge focus on complex dialogues and monologues to flesh out the setting, story and everything around it, the creators were able to build up this series really well until the eventual climax, which ranks among my favourite endings. Obviously this isn’t a series for those who don’t like series with lots of talking. In fact, there are two particular episodes that consist out of nothing but a bunch of people sitting in a room and talking, which can really get on your nerves if you don’t have the patience for it. #15: Strange Dawn Fantasy is a popular genre in anime, but Strange Dawn sets itself apart from the others by subverting a ton of clichés and stereotypes that are associated with the genre. It’s got a very strong cast, and it puts a huge amount of detail in just about everything. The chibified characters may lead you to believe that this is going to be a light-hearted adventure, but make no mistake: this series is dark and mature. It’s perhaps a bit too dramatic at times, but it remains a riveting series that continuously plays with your emotions. The characters are incredibly well portrayed and acted, and especially the two lead characters are a joy to watch throughout the entire series. #14: Les Miserables: Shoujo Cosette Those who know this blog probably know that I’m a huge fan of the World Masterpiece Theatre. The way these series manage to flesh out and develop their characters is nearly unrivalled. the series that got me into this franchise was Les miserables, and IMO it’s also the best one I’ve seen so far. It starts out like a regular shoujo series about a cute girl that lost her parents, but slowly it turns to a small revolution in the 19th century France. With a huge cast of characters that complement each other extremely well, this ended up as an epic series. Fans of the book do need to get warned though. A lot made it past the censors, but there’s one particular twist that unfortunately didn’t make it. I think you can imagine which one it is, and I agree that it could have made this amazing series even better if it was included. #13: Fantastic Children Few people will have any clue about what the hell is going on during the first part of Fantastic Children, but its storyline soon grows into one of epic proportions. It provides a very imaginative setting and does a fantastic job in portraying its characters, who are all in the middle of it. With some of the most amazing plot twists out there, Fantastic Children always kept you guessing at what was going to happen next. #12: Kaiba Kaiba really was a show that was its time far ahead. Masaaki Yuasa in front of the direction gave this series an absolutely unique look, and the setting it played with was full of the most creative ideas. In fact, I can hardly remember any idea that wasn’t creative. The way you have no idea what’s going on, and how the story slowly unravels as you go along only makes it better. Kaiba is really an outstanding series in every way, aside from its ending perhaps, which does end up a bit rushed for such an otherwise excellent series. #11: Bokura no Bokura no is one of those series that took a huge gamble and went with a different story than the manga it was based on, which turned off a lot of manga-readers. However, from the perspective of someone who hasn’t read the manga, there really is a lot to like about this series. The premise of the whole series is dark and haunting, and the creators make optimal use of this when fleshing out the characters. The graphics are simple, but they fit the series extremely well, resulting in what is in my opinion Gonzo’s prettiest series. The way the plot develops is one that always keeps you guessing, and the series completely switches mood and themes every few episodes or so, while still remaining consistent as a whole. It’s a very varied and engaging series, that even though it apparently lost a bit of depth from the manga, still stands among my favourites. #10: Birdy the Mighty Decode 2 I’m a HUGE fan of Kazuki Akane, the director. Time and time again, his distinct and powerful style of storytelling gets the utter best out of any premise, and he is my favourite director by far. At first, Birdy the Mighty Decode, a remake of an OVA from the nineties, didn’t seem up the same standard. The first season has a lot of flaws, and is even flat-out horrible for those who hate teenagers in anime. Still, the second season improves on it in every single way. It has a dark and mature storyline that is a joy to watch, from beginning to end. It has some of the best animated action-scenes I’ve seen, and at the same time it manages to flesh out the characters in subtle and believable ways, while also paying attention to bring the city it’s set in come to life, rather than making the characters act among a bunch of cardboard boxes. #9: Shoujo Kakumei Utena Well, what is there to say about Utena that hasn’t been said yet? It’s an absolute classic, that takes the concept of weirdness to a whole new level, and somehow makes it awesome. Just about everything in this series is symbolic, even the seemingly endlessly repeated frames that give a strange ritualistic feel to the series. With a rock-solid direction and incredibly deep characters that get explored almost non-stop, this is one of the most unique shoujo series out there and still stands strong as such more than ten years after it originally aired. Heck, I’m not sure whether to call it shoujo at times. It’s got so many different genres put in one, I’m hardly sure what exactly to classify it as. #8: The Third: Aoi Hitomi no Shoujo You might wonder why I still put The Third at such a high place in this list. While seemingly random at first, I still consider The Third to be the single best series at fleshing out a single character. Honoka still stands as one of my favourite characters ever, simply because she’s so down to earth, and yet incredibly versatile. This isn’t the series which made my favourites because of an incredibly complex story, or some incredibly emotional or exciting parts. Instead, it is an all around enjoyable series that really manages to bring its cast alive, portraying them as ordinary people rather than a bunch of stereotypes. This series knows when to be subtle, and when to pack a punch and I still gladly remember it, even though it’s been three years since I watched it. #7: Haibane Renmei It’s interesting: the more I think back to this series, the better it becomes. Haibane Renmei started off a bit slow, but it closed off with one of the strongest finales I have ever seen. It has both a very imaginative setting, and truly excels at its character-development. This incredibly in-depth look at its main characters is what sold this series for me, and in the end this turned out to be one of the most emotionally intensive series I have ever watched, despite its short length. #6: Shion no Ou Shion no Ou: THE series that showed that board games aren’t boring. This series has one of the most addictive pacings I have seen, which especially in its second half gets the best out of the characters. This is a series with a really creative animation director, who makes sure that just about every shot is unique and kicks ass. The Shougi matches in this series are also of the kind that just keep your attention, whether the outcome is predictable or not. At times, the series has a bit of trouble mixing its murder mystery correctly with the Shougi matches, but the end results definitely pay off, with the characters going through memorable changes, and the murder mystery getting enough time to finish with a great conclusion. #5: .Hack//Sign The past entries have probably made you suspect that I like a lot of series that take their time in telling their story. The epitome of this effect is of course .Hack//Sign. The pacing is incredibly slow, but it offers an deep and imaginative story in return. I especially like how they took the concept of MMORPGs, and focused on its essence: socializing, while leaving the endless grinding and random battles mostly for what they are. .Hack//Sign was the first anime I watched from fansubs, back when I discovered the wonders of the Internet, and in retrospect I couldn’t have chosen a better series to start with. Deep, philosophical, smart and unfortunately very slow for anyone without patience, I still consider this among my favourites. #4: Simoun Simoun: the single best character-study I have ever seen. There are these kinds of series that just can’t be classified in a genre, and Simoun is definitely one of them. It takes a lot of different directions as it explores the lives of the various characters in this series; every single one of them deep, imaginative and impactful. Just about every character in this series left a deep impression on me, and not just the main ones. The plot progression of this series is so incredibly fresh that I have seen nothing like it, even in the years after it there hasn’t been any series that tried to even come close to its brilliance. #3: Vision of Escaflowne While a lot of my favourites are slow-paced, my Top 3 consists out of fast-paced and action-packed series that combine fantasy with science-fiction in one way or the other, all linked to a main character that grew up in our “normal” world. It’s perhaps a bit of a formulaic concept because there are lot of series that simply abuse this premise in an uninspired fantasy-series, but these series show the amazing things that you can achieve when this concept is pulled off right. The Visions of Escaflowne is set in a rich and imaginative setting and it has a strong story that only gets better as it goes on. It’s a multi-layered epic with a great action and direction (courtesy of Kazuki Akane) and even though I watched this more than four years ago it still stands among my favourites. #2: Noein – To Your Other Self Noein is another series by Kazuki Akane, and out of all of his series this is the one that shows him at his best as a director. It’s got an absolutely unique art style that’s messy, yet very appealing to the eyes and with a selection of some of the most amazing action scenes. It explores issues as time travel, alternative dimensions and more personal ones as distance from the ones you care about. It’s got a cast of very appealing characters, who at the same time remain natural and feel like a couple of real teenagers. Although it does have its share of teenaged angst that might turn off a few people at times, and it also could have used a bit more consistency in its pacing, but with a great characterization and a fascinating plot, this series still stands among my favourites. #1: Mahou Shoujotai I guess a lot of people found it strange that this was my number one, especially after that awful fanboyish “review” I wrote about it in one of the early days of this site, but for me Mahou Shoujotai is the series that has made the most impact on me out of all of the series I’ve watched. It’s about a bunch of kids, and tends to be immature, but what I found so amazing about it is its direction and the experimental nature of the series. At the time, it was for as far as I know the first anime that recorded the voices before the animation process, and the neat thing is that you can actually see the creators improve and get better. In the same way, there are tons of ideas stuffed into this series in just about every aspect. The direction made sure to get the best out of the short 8-minute episodes and there were always very creative and immersing camera-angles present. The story explores traditions and customs, and the endless optimism of Alice really stroke a chord with me. But yeah, this endless optimism can get on people’s nerves. The characters in this series are diverse and endearing, but they can easily get on people’s nerves due to their strong beliefs and childish outlooks. Nevertheless, I consider it to be the best anime ever, and I really doubt that any series is going to come and take that place away. Although it would be awesome if I were wrong in this. So that’s it.These are the 20 anime I consider best at this point. As it’s been a while since I posted my last top 10: what is your current top 10 (or 20, or whatever) Anime?]]>

110 thoughts on “My Top 20 Favourite Anime

  1. 20. Kure-Nai
    19. Petite Princess Yucie
    18. Red Garden
    17. Lucky Star
    16. Uninhabited Planet Survive
    15. Muteki Kaban Musume
    14. Code Geass
    13. Mai-HiME/Mai-Otome
    12. Hellsing
    11. NOIR
    10. Card Captor Sakura
    9. Rahxephon
    8. Scrapped Princess
    7. Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon
    6. Azumanga Daioh
    5. Nadia: Secret of the Blue Water
    4. Revolutionary Girl Utena
    3. CLANNAD
    2. R.O.D TV
    1. ARIA
    All of my selections don’t seem very diverse for some reason…

  2. I commend you that you can make this list. I am not really sure if I have a top favorites list (I can never decide between one series over another) but Mushishi would definitely be at the top of my list. I am also quite fond of Nos. 20, 13, 7, 3, and 2 on your list.
    And still patiently waiting for someone to finish subbing No. 16.

  3. Probably the biggest reason that keeps me coming back to this blog is that you have such unique, fascinating taste in anime. This list is a treasure trove of things I’m still yet to see- and in the case of Strange Dawn, had never even heard of before!

  4. While probably not exactly like this, an approximation is close enough.
    1. Dennou Coil
    2. Aria
    3. Serial Experiments Lain
    4. Mahou Shoujo Tai Arusu
    5. Gunslinger Girl
    6. The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya
    7. Air
    8. Diebuster
    9. Planetes
    10. Spice and Wolf
    11. Darker Than Black
    12. Lucky Star
    13. Clannad
    14. Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann
    15. Gakuen Utopia Manabi Straight!
    16. Wolf’s Rain
    17. Neon Genesis Evangelion
    18. Higurashi No Naku Koro Ni
    19. Code Geass
    20. Shuffle!

  5. Covering only TV series and those OAV series longer than a half-season (7+ episodes), and omitting some worthy shows I have only seen part of:
    20. Monster
    19. Macross (original series)
    18. Urusei Yatsura
    17. Melancholy of Haruhi.
    16. Macross Frontier.
    15. Outlaw Star.
    14. Mobile Suit Gundam (original series)
    13. Excel Saga.
    12. Simoun
    11. Vampire Miyu
    10. Video Girl Ai.
    9. Noir.
    8. Utena tv series.
    7. Tenchi Muyo Ryo-Oki (OAV series)
    6. Serial Experiments Lain
    5. Nana.
    4. Marmalade Boy
    3. Elfen Lied
    2. Bubblegum Crisis OAV series.
    1. Neon Genesis Evangelion.

    1. I love many of these anime, and don’t know the others… But I am seriously glad someone gives the original Bubblegum Crisis the merit it deserves. Pitty it was left unfinished.

  6. Funny enough, I just finished watching Shion no Ou. I thought it was great I loved the mind game battles between each character. Your list seems quite interesting. I am quite suprised to see Mushi-shi at #19. Personally I would have ranked it somewhere in the top 10.

  7. 1 5 Centimeters per Second
    2 Clannad After Story
    3 Haibane Renmei
    4 Spice and Wolf
    5 Welcome to the NHK!
    6 Serial Experiments Lain
    7 Grave of the Fireflies
    8 Kino’s Journey
    9 Death Note
    10 Kimi ga Nozomu Eien
    11 Azumanga Daioh
    12 Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion
    13 Higurashi no Naku Koro ni
    14 Bartender
    15 La Maison en Petits Cubes
    16 Ouran High School Host Club
    17 Clannad
    18 Koi Kaze
    19 Toradora!
    20 Beck
    21 Perfect Blue
    22 Tokyo Godfathers
    23 Voices of a Distant Star
    24 Fullmetal Alchemist
    25 Strawberry Marshmallow
    26 Paranoia Agent
    27 Le Portrait de Petit Cossette
    28 Paprika
    29 Toki wo Kakeru Shoujo
    30 Bakemonogatari
    Not 100% accurate, but close ^^

  8. I never thought that making a list of my favourite anime would be so hard… but here it is anyway (I had no doubts about places 1-15, but after that the order doesn’t really mean a thing, since I like all those titles more or less the same… and I still had to leave out many other series, ’cause if I didn’t, it would probably become a top 100):
    01. One Piece
    02. Baccano!
    03. Natsume Yuujinchou
    04. Honey & Clover
    05. Cowboy Bebop
    06. Trigun
    07. Cardcaptor Sakura
    08. Mushishi
    09. Nodame Cantabile
    10. Gankutsuou
    11. Michiko to Hatchin
    12. Black Lagoon
    13. Mahou Tsukai ni Taisetsu na Koto ~ Natsu no Sora ~
    14. Princess Tutu
    15. Twelve Kingdoms
    16. Jigoku Shoujo
    17. Nana
    18. El Cazador de la Bruja
    19. Towards the Terra
    20. Mononoke
    21. Gintama
    22. xxxHolic
    23. Lovely Complex
    24. Toradora!
    25. Eureka Seven
    26. Blood+
    27. Full Metal Panic!
    28. Peace Maker Kurogane
    29. Shoujo Kakumei Utena
    30. Sailor Moon
    31. Natsu no Arashi!
    32. Samurai Champloo
    33. Saiunkoku Monogatari
    34. Spice & Wolf
    35. Clannad
    As for your top 20, there’s a lot of series there that I haven’t seen yet, but I have them on my to-watch list (like # 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 10, 11, 14, 16, 20), so there’s a huge possibilty that I’ll have to expand my favourites list even further 🙂

  9. Aah, Strange Dawn. They had started broadcasting it in Italy some years ago, then they just stopped. Guess the buyers were fooled by the chibi characters about the true nature of the show ^_^;;;. I was actually curious to watch the rest.
    Fantastic Children has been on my watch-list since I started reading your blog. Time to actually try this series 🙂
    My favs so far
    Not in order of preference (Save for RoV *_* ), also because I’ve been watching anime for… almost 30 years now? My preference fluctuates a bit according to my mood :p:
    1.Versailles no Bara (you liked Utena, you liked Chevalier… what are you waiting for to watch this? :p )
    2.Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon S
    3.Ochamegami Monogatari – Colocolo Polon (Greek mythology on crack, how I love thee)
    4.Fushigi no Umi no Nadia
    5.Seirei no Moribito
    6.Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan – Tsuiokuhen
    7.Tenkuu no Escaflowne
    8.Kurenai
    9.Toshokan Sensou
    10.Mononoke
    11.Mushishi
    12.Natsume Yuujinchou
    13.Tokyo Marble Chocolate
    14.RahXephon
    15.Koukyoushihen: Eureka Seven
    16.Terra e… (2007)
    17.Gankutsuou
    18.Kaiba
    19.Ergo Proxy
    20.Moyashimon
    Fluctuating in and out of my top 20 are also:
    Fullmetal Panic!
    Noein
    Oruchuban Ebichu (I love my crack XD)
    Saiunkoku Monogatari
    Juuni Kokki
    Macross Frontier (full of flaws, but supremely entertaining. Made me ship AltoxSheryl wholeheartedly too 😛 )
    Bakemonogatari (*flutters lashes*. SHAFT power XD)
    Baccano
    Suzumiya Haruhi (2006)
    1001 Nights
    Whew… it’s almost a top 30 after all.

  10. I re-worked my top ten so here it is
    1 Red Garden
    2 Noein
    3 Toward the Terra
    4 12 Kingdoms
    5.Vision of Escaflowne
    6 Noir
    7 Haibane Renmei
    8 The Third
    9 Jigoku Shoujo
    10 Michiko e Hatchin
    11 Simoun
    12 Serial Experiments Lain
    13 Saikano
    14 Birdy the Mighty Decode
    15 Crest of the stars/Banner of the stars
    16 Madlax
    17 El Cazador de la Bruja
    18 Now and Then, Here and There
    19 Shion no Ou
    20 Ef a tale of memories, Devilman Lady, Spice & Wolf
    My list of un-finished good animes is high. At the top is Utena, .Hack//Sign, Figure 17, and Fantastic Children.

  11. Not necessarily in this order,but I am quite sure the following ones would be in my list:
    Evangelion
    Kare kano
    Legend of Basara
    Grave of the fireflies
    Metropolis
    Boogiepop phantom
    The cockpit
    Ookiku furikabutte
    Death note

  12. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: You have the oddest taste in anime I’ve ever seen. No matter how obscure an anime I watch, I almost always end up preffering the popular stuff. Oh well, since I’m here
    1: Death Note
    2: Baccano
    3: Chobits
    4: Code Geass
    5: Mushishi
    6: Jungle wa Itsumo Hare Nochi Guu
    7: Last Exile
    8: School Rumble
    9: Akira
    10: Samurai Champloo
    11: Love Hina (nostalgic value: twas my first anime)
    12: Cromartie High School
    13: Kaiba
    14: Cowboy Bebop
    15: Eden of the East
    16: Seto no Hanayome
    17: Full Metal Panic (+Fumoffu but not TSR)
    18: Full Metal Alchemist
    19: Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex
    20: Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann

  13. I actually like that psgels has a rather unique taste. I don’t always like the same shows, but usually his top reviews or recommendations end up being interesting enough for me to check out later. I’m still very far from seeing every single show on this list though.
    I haven’t seriously sat down to narrow down my own list of favorites either, probably because I’ve never had the need or urge to do so, but without making much of an effort…Utena and Hi no Tori would definitely be somewhere on my list. Everything else…we’ll see.

  14. I guess we can’t all have the same tastes, but I would like to hear your reason as to why ‘Evangelion’ and ‘Serial Experiments Lain’ are not included on your list.

  15. Top 15
    Aria
    Monster
    Legend of the Galactic Heroes
    Mushishi
    Princess Tutu
    Revolutionary Girl Utena
    Hajime no Ippo
    Clannad
    Kaiji
    Welcome to the NHK!
    Bokurano
    Gankutsuou
    Haibane Renmei
    Now and Then, Here and There
    One Piece for still managing to be good after all these years
    Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou (manga)
    Saya no Uta (Visual Novel)

  16. I always come to your blog to find the latest suggestion on anime to watch and here once again you’ve provided me with bunches of backlogery to browse over. TY!

  17. 1. Fantastic Children
    2. RahXephon
    3. Uninhabited planet Survive
    4. Now and Then Here and There
    5. The Mysterious Cities of Gold
    6. Georgie
    7. Bokurano
    8. Monster
    9. Pandora Hearts
    10. Toward the Terra
    11. The Prince of Tennis (well, mostly because of dorky fandom and the like)
    12. Sailormoon (NOSTALGIA)
    13. Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood
    14. Candy Candy
    15. Digimon Tamers (Don’t kill me!!)
    16. Romeo’s Blue Skies
    17. Peacemaker Kurogane
    18. Narutaru Shadow Star
    19. Robotech
    20. Detective Conan

  18. 1. Martian Successor Nadesico
    2. Mushishi
    3. Birdy the Mighty DECODE: 02
    4. Moryo no Hako
    5. Sexy Commando Gaiden: Sugoiyo!! Masaru-san
    6. Now and Then, Here and There
    7. Fancy Lala
    8. Nurse Angel Ririka SOS
    9. Gintama
    10. Kyo no Go no Ni

  19. 20. Death Note
    19. Good Witch of the West – Astraea Testament
    18. Tsubasa Chronicle
    17. Petite Princess Yucie
    16. Hakaba Kitarou
    15. Higurashi no Naku Koro ni
    14. Jigoku Shoujo
    13. Ai no Kusabi (despite the yaoiness, which I usually can’t stand)
    12. Rurouni Kenshin
    11. Bokura no
    10. Oniisama e (first shoujo I’ve ever watched)
    9. Ergo Proxy
    8. Twelve kingdoms (best ‘kid gets trapped in fantasy-land’ I’ve watched so far)
    7. xxxHolic
    6. Amatsuki
    5. Kaiba
    4. Noein
    3. Mononoke
    2. Mushishi
    1. Dennou Coil
    And may I just add that I wouldn’t have known about 3/4 of these series if it wasn’t for this blog.

  20. No real order as these anime do compete close to one another:
    Now and then Here and There
    Fantastic Children
    Dennou Coil
    Mushishi
    Haibane Renmei
    Kaiba
    Mouryou no Hako
    Saiunkoku Monogatari
    Ookiku Furikabutte
    Twelve Kingdoms

  21. 1. Gurren Lagann
    2. Kaiba
    3. Evangelion
    4. Darker than Black
    5. Mushishi
    6. Noein
    7. Cowboy Bebop
    8. .hack//Sign
    9. Cromartie High School
    10.Princess Tutu
    11.Code Geass
    12.Michiko e Hatchin
    13.Casshern Sins
    Uhh, here’s 13.

  22. 1. Cowboy Bebop
    2. Higurashi Ni/Kai/Rei
    3. Lucky Star
    4. Death Note
    5. Clannad/ After Story
    6. Neon Genesis Evangelion
    7. Azumanga Daioh
    8. Kino’s Journey
    9. Tie:Code Geass/ R2
    :Gurren Lagann
    11.Fullmetal Alchemist
    12. Rurouni Kenshin: Tsuiokuhen
    13. Kaiba
    14. GITS: SAC & 2nd Gig
    15. Michiko e Hatchin
    16. Mononoke
    17. Phantom: Requiem of the Phantom
    18. The Tenchi Muyo Ryo-ohki OVAs
    19. Bakemonogatari
    20. FLCL
    The reason Code Geass/R2 and Gurren Lagann got a tie is because I was marathoning them during March of this year while watching one episode each and going back/forth through the series. Both were incredibly fun and its hard for me to choose. (I watched R2 all the way through since Gurren Lagann didnt have over 26 eps :-P)
    Top 5 animated movies:
    1)Spirited Away
    2)Perfect Blue
    3)Kara no Kyoukai 5
    4)Princess Mononoke
    5)Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust
    I agree with the MAL users…KNK 5 was badass. I am saving 6 for when 7 is subbed so I can watch the final 2 back to back

  23. 01. Shoujo Kakumei Utena
    02. Ergo Proxy
    03. Noein
    04. Chikyuu Shoujo Arjuna
    05. Serial Experiments Lain
    06. Shinseiki Evangelion (incl. the extended episodes on the DVDs and the alternative movie ending… and if you also include the aspects from the manga, then it might even be ranked higher… seriously, this whole franchise is some kinf of love-hate relation for me)
    07. MONSTER
    08. PERSONA -trinity soul-
    09. The Big O
    10. Dennou Coil
    11. Bounen no Xam’d
    12. GHOST HOUND
    13. Paranoia Agent
    14. KEY the Metal Idol
    15. Tenkuu no Escaflowne
    16. Kurozuka
    17. TEXHNLOYZE
    18. Haibane Renmei
    19. Noir
    20. Shangri-La (mainly for its innovative setting and because… I couldn’t think of anything else to write down here)
    3 series that remain to be mentioned even if they are not included in my Top 20 (which isn’t THAT accurate anyway):
    RahXephon for its gorgeous soundtrack and atmosphere, xxxHOLiC (incl. Kei) because I’m a fan of folklore and like the characters, but I couldn’t put it into my Top 20 since I prefer Kohane’s arc in the manga and we still have to see how the OVA and the manga itself turn out in the end… and last but not least…
    Higurashi no naku koro ni.
    I LOVE the franchise but the anime version is pretty crappy once you know the original and the manga versions. The anime left out so many crucial aspects that I just can’t place it anywhere in my ranking as much as I would like to do so. Which doesn’t mean that I hate the anime or that I think all of the aforementioned series are better but I’m simply unable to rank it in a way that I’m satisfied with. I feel like I wouldn’t do any justice to it.
    In contrast to manga and games, that I mostly consume for character development/interaction and story, while watching anime I put more focus on the setting and the themes the series deals with. I don’t know if that explains my ranking in any kind of way but that’s how I see it. Furthermore, just as psgels likes to say sometimes, I can enjoy something unique with some minor flaws here and there more than something flawless that lacks any kind of innovation and individuality.

  24. Wow, a lot of those series looked really good (I love dark shows especially). I think the only series that I’ve seen is Simoun, which was a very good show. MY top 20?
    20. Lucky Star
    19. Great Teacher Onizuka
    18. Inukami
    17. Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuutsi
    16. Cowboy Bebop
    15. Toradora!
    14. Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei
    13. Samurai Champloo
    12. Monster
    11. Ergo Proxy
    10. Tokyo Magnitude 8.0
    9. Black Lagoon
    8. Mai HiME
    7. Higurashi no Naku Koro ni
    6. Hayate no Gotoku!
    5. Full Metal Alchemist
    4. Shakugan no Shana
    3. Welcome to the N.H.K.
    2. Deathnote
    1. InuYasha
    I’m not even sure about this, but these are my top 20 in some order. the single digits are correct.

  25. There are quite a few that I’ve not seen here. I definitely would include Utena and Escaflowne in my top 20 list. Actually, I’m not sure I could build a top 20 list without really stretching the “topness” of the twenty.
    The only other anime that comes to mind, also, is Paradise Kiss.
    …never finished Fantastic Children 🙁

  26. I never thought of putting my favorites in a list, I’ll keep it short:
    5. Honey & Clover
    4. Natsume Yuujinchou
    3. Mushishi
    2. Haibane Renmei
    1. Noein
    I’m a big fan of the slower shows, definitely showing my age I suppose. Noein is the one exception in this list, the action scenes were simply amazing and the art appealing to me.
    Great list you have going there, I can definitely see a pattern 🙂 Keep up the good work on your blog, always a pleasure to read.

  27. Yours is one of the most interesting top 20 lists I’ve seen, I’m almost surprised to see someone who’s even heard of some of those shows, much less seen them. Perhaps I should look around your blog some before asking, but have you seen Kurenai? It seems like it would fit snugly in your list. Eureka Seven would, too. Mad props for the inclusions of Mahou Shoujotai, Noein, Figure 17, Mouryou no Hakko, Kaiba, and Simoun, all brutally underrated. The rest are all great too.
    As for me, this is easy – I make favorites lists constantly, out of obsession.
    1. Eureka Seven
    2. End of Evangelion
    3. Gakuen Utopia Manabi Straight
    4. Serial Experiments Lain
    5. Toradora
    6. FLCL
    7. ef ~a tale of memories~
    8. Lucky Star
    9. Cowboy Bebop
    10. Simoun
    11. Ranma 1/2
    12. Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha A’s
    13. Casshern Sins
    14. The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya
    15. Welcome to the NHK
    16. Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann
    17. Baccano!
    18. Kure-nai
    19. Hidamari Sketch
    20. Revolutionary Girl Utena
    List not totally accurate because there are a lot of shows I need to rewatch before I will put on the list, but this is a good jist of things.

  28. Yay top 20! It’s been my goal to watch all of the anime in your top 10, now my list has increased. XD There are 8 or 9 anime I haven’t seen here, though I started on some and left off on them–others I heard of but haven’t watched them yet.
    Strange Dawn has nice OP music..
    Fantastic Children is also in my top 20.

  29. My top 20 look something like this:
    Monster
    Legend of the Galactic Heroes
    Higurashi No Naku Koro Ni
    The Rose of Versailles
    Tokyo Magnitude 8.0
    Fantastic Children
    Noein
    Paprika
    Tekkonkinkreet
    Samurai 7
    Kaiba
    Victorian Romance Emma
    Mushishi
    Last Exile
    Baccano
    Dennou Coil
    Berserk
    Le Chevalier D’eon
    Gantz
    Gunslinger Girl

  30. My Top 10 hasn’t changed much since I last posted it. Mainly because I’ve barely watched any anime since then. I think it might be a good idea to watch everything on your Top 20 list excluding the ones I’ve already watched of course).
    I’ll just remind you of my Top 10, in no particular order:
    Kaiba
    Shion no Ou
    Samurai Champloo
    Higurashi ni/Kai
    Gankutsuou
    xxxHOLIC
    Baccano!
    Ghost Hound
    Excel Saga
    Cowboy Bebop

  31. 1. Fullmetal Alchemist
    2. Kino’s Journey
    3. Gungrave
    4. Monster
    5. Eureka Seven
    6. Black Lagoon
    7. Welcome to the NHK!
    8. Last Exile
    9. Full Metal Panic? Fumoffu
    10. Rurouni Kenshin: Tsuiokuhen
    11. Skip Beat!
    12. Ouran High School Host Club
    13. Baccano!
    14. Bokurano
    15. Cowboy Bebop
    16. Please Teacher
    17. Lovely Complex
    18. Read Or Die TV
    19. Planetes
    20. Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann

  32. Gotta love top lists. My preferences are quite different, albeit I enjoyed a lot of the shows in psgel’s top 20.
    1. Rurouni Kenshin: Reminiscence
    2. Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann
    3. Gunbuster
    4. Honey and Clover
    5. Gundam Seed
    6. Kimi ga Nozomu Eien
    7. Evangelion
    8. Full Moon O Sagashite
    9. Kiki’s Delivery Service
    10. Hokuto no Ken

  33. I need to get around to watching Mahou Shoujotai. Must be worthy if that’s your #1.
    As others have said, you have an interesting and unique taste in anime. My top 20 list when I do make it sometime would be completely different.
    Also, why you knock away Towards the Terra. =/

  34. I don’t really have a top 20, but I do have some favorites. And in no particular order:
    Gintama *
    Cowboy Bebop
    Lucky Star
    Azumanga Daioh
    Bokurano*
    Mahou Shoujotai
    Great Teacher Onizuka*
    Kaiba
    My Neighbor Totoro
    Neon Genesis Evangelion
    Clannad (the whole thing) *
    Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann *
    History’s Strongest Disciple Kenichi
    Ranma 1/2
    Birdy the Mighty: DECODE *
    Fullmetal Alchemist (Brotherhood over the original)
    Those marked with a * are my top favorites.

  35. I’m glad to see someone with some unique taste in anime even though I highly disagree the quality of several of them *Mushishi being on the top* Most anime fans needs to broaden their horizon and watch your list.

  36. My list is something to this effect:
    1. Skip Beat!
    2. Fullmetal Alchemist
    3. FLCL
    4. Baccano!
    5. Paranoia Agent
    6. Mononoke
    7. Haibane Renmei
    8. Kemonozume
    9. Mouryou no Hako
    10. Kino’s Journey
    11. Antique Bakery
    12. Mahou Shoujotai Arusu
    13. Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei
    14. Fruits Basket
    15. Hakaba Kitaro
    16. Cat Soup
    17. Ouran High School Host Club
    18. Cromartie High School
    19. Tengen Toppa Gurren-Lagann
    20. Hidamari Sketch

  37. Argh, I so don’t like being reminded of Shoujo Cosette, I haven’t been able to find raws of the show past episode 10 for soon-to-be two years now :/
    Anyway, compiling a top 20 is way too difficult, I’d never be able to decide what to put over what, so here’s a top 5:
    1. Akage no Anne
    2. Mushishi
    3. Toki wo Kakeru shoujo
    4. Honey and Clover I and II
    5. Ichigo Mashimaro
    I also loved Kaiba, but the ending disappointed me so much…

  38. Whoa… is very different with my taste though since i choose popular series only:
    1.Kara no kyoukai/The garden of sinners
    2.Fate Stay Night
    3.Fullmetal alchemist
    4.Mobile suit gundam 00 (the action of course)
    5.Eureka seven
    6.Phantom requiem for the phantom (Poor Reiji^_^)
    7.True Tears (Hiromi FTW)
    9.Full metal panic series season 1,2,3
    10.K-ON
    11.Ouran high school host club (until now,I still remember about kasanoda kun ARC XD)
    12.Darker than black (cant wait for season 2)
    13.Spice and wolf season 1&2
    14.macross frontier (Love the songs and music)
    15.shingetsutan tsukihime
    16.Blood+
    17.Skip beat
    18.Minami ke series
    19.Blacklagoon
    20.Eden of the east

  39. Its funny how you think more of Haibane Renmei and how I think less of it. None the less, its the highest ranked anime on the list I watched, and its one of the best anime I watched.
    I heartily recommend every choice on Psgels list for every anime fan who wants to expand their horizon.

  40. In no particular order
    Cowboy Bebop
    Gintama
    Eureka Seven
    Code Geass
    Birdy the Mighty Decode
    Fullmetal Alchemist
    Oh! Edo Rocket
    Yakitate Japan
    Great Teacher Onizuka
    One Piece
    Narutaru
    Nodame Cantabille
    Ookiku Furikabutte
    Honey and Clover
    Grenadier
    Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann
    xxxHolic
    Baccano!
    Darker than Black
    Berserk

  41. ARIA
    Simoun
    Figure 17 – Tsubasa & Hikaru
    Detective Conan
    Irresponsible Captain Tylor
    Honey and Clover
    Minami-ke
    Ichigo Mashimaro
    Haibane Renmei
    Eureka Seven
    Gigantic Formula
    Mushishi
    Lucky Star
    Uninhabited Planet Survive
    Code Geass
    Card Captor Sakura
    Scrapped Princess
    Beck
    Bartender
    The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya
    Darker Than Black
    Some of these Animes I’ve gotten to known from your blog. I just love the mall! YOu rock!! The animes listed above are from most favorite to just favorite! XD

  42. I’m not going to make a list like everyone else. I have my own views, but it’s very refreshing to see someone like those odd pseudo-shoujo/mahou-shoujo shows and especially World Masterpiece Theater stuff.
    Actually, I think NHK anime are just VASTLY overlooked and underrated in general.
    Like some others, I have favorites in stuff like Cardcaptor Sakura, Trigun, Aria, but I’m glad to see SOMEBODY ELSE IN THE WHOLE WORLD actually likes Mahou Shoujotai.

  43. This is certainly going to give me a good idea of some new shows to check out.
    I could never do a top 20 myself, my interests go to whatever I’m currently watching, and it never gets too deep beyond the initial love I have for the series.
    I wonder about Mushishi, though. Something about that series just turns me off, and I haven’t even watched -any- of it.

  44. My top ten would most likely be:
    1.Code Geass
    2.Guin Saga
    3.Maria-sama ga miteru
    4.Simoun
    5.Requiem for the Phantom
    6.X-Tv (1998) Clamp
    7.Rozen Maiden
    8.Higurashi no naku koro ni
    9.Jigoku shoujo
    10.Baccano
    11.Blood+
    12.Glass no kamen(2005)
    13.Elfen Lied
    14.Monster
    15.Towars the Terra
    16. Les misérables – shoujo Cosette
    17. Noir
    18.Canaan
    19.Saiunkoku monogatari
    20. Sisters of wellber
    some other ten I just loved:
    21. Oniisama ee
    22. Le chevalier d’Eon
    23. Bokura no
    24. Claymore
    25. Shangri la
    26. Victorian romance Emma
    27. Gunslinger girl
    28.Ie naki ko Remi ( the old version)
    29. Nijuu mensou no musume
    30. Fate /Stay night

  45. I think I need to watch more anime before doing a top 20 list. It was hard deciding from 14 onwards.
    1. Legend of the Galactic Heroes
    2. Haibane Renmei
    3. Mushishi
    4. Kino no Tabi
    5. Hunter x Hunter
    6. Cowboy Bebop
    7. Planetes
    8. Toward the Terra
    9. Gintama
    10. Now and Then, Here and There
    11. Texhnolyze
    12. Wolf’s Rain
    13. Gunslinger Girl
    14. Higurashi no Naku Koro ni
    15. Toki wo Kakeru Shoujo
    16. Juuni Kokki
    17. Gankutsuou
    18. Ai no Kusabi
    19. Infinite Ryvius
    20. Excel Saga
    Since they are supposedly faithful adaptation, Berserk and Monster would be my list if I had watched them. I definitely intend to watch Noein, Shion no Ou, Bokura no and Mouryou no Hako.

  46. 20. Hunter X Hunter
    19. Mononoke
    18. Fantastic Children
    17. Haibane Renmei
    16. Seirei no Moribito
    15. Towards the Terra
    14. Dennou Coil
    13. Kino no Tabi
    12. Full Metal Panic (all seasons)
    11. Genshiken
    10. Great Teacher Onizuka
    09. One Piece
    08. Honey and Clover
    07. Cowboy Bebop
    06. Death Note
    05. Legend of the Galactic Heroes
    04. Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex(both seasons)
    03. Rurouni Kenshin: Tsuiokuhen
    02. Mushishi
    01. Monster
    I decided not to include movies and i have some anime in my top 20 that i have yet not completed,who knows maybe i will like them even more after i finish them.

  47. I only need 5 ha! *excuse the silliness*
    5. Paradise Kiss- starts off as some random shoujo but evolves into a beautiful slice of life story, that doesn’t have a very conventional ending that leaves you with a cold, yet refreshing feeling inside. Awesome soundtrack and art design are a plus too.
    4. Kaleido Star- You saw how awesome it was didn’t ya?
    3. Red Garden- Despite the number of times I watch it, the brutality and the realistic emotion make this show an incredible watch.
    2. Wolf’s Rain- Not the best plot, but the charming characters and the powerfully emotional ending are beyond incredible, one of the few shows to actually make me cry. Has the best soundtrack found in any anime.
    drum roll please…? Ok never mind.
    1. Koi Kaze- this will forever remain my number one show. Has the most realistic look at incest than anything I’ve ever seen. The 2nd best soundtrack in any anime, the charming art, the frightening realistic emotion, the beautiful characters, its heart wrenching drama, and the wonderful yet disturbing story make probably one of the best shows ever made.

  48. 10. Princess Mononoke
    9. Darker than Black
    8. Helling Ultimate
    7. Dennou Coil
    6. Mushishi
    5. Fullmetal Alchemist
    4. Cowboy Bebop
    3. Gungrave
    2. Natsume Yuujinchou
    2. Honey and Clover 1st Series (by a wide margin)

  49. These are the series I absolutely love:
    1. Anime Sanjushi
    2. Akage no Anne
    3. Escaflowne
    4. Lady Georgie
    5. Lovely Complex
    I also really like (in no particular order):
    – Revolutionary Girl Utena
    – Ouran High School Host Club
    – Marmalade Boy
    – NANA
    – My Daddy Long Legs

  50. And I was wondering, psgels: why do you think Kaze no Shoujo Emily is superior to Akage no Anne? Everyone has a different taste, no doubt about that, it’s just that I think AnA does everything better than KnSE. Better storyline, better characters, better art, better slice-of-life.

  51. Sapphire: it’s indeed a matter of personal taste. Akage no Anne indeed had a superior execution, but it had a bit too little conflict for my tastes. It still was a very good series, but not of the calibre that I’d rate among my favourites. Emily on the other hand always had something going on and made well use of this developing its characters.

  52. The others didn’t seem to have changed much xD (I mean the rankings)
    I’m thinking of working on my own top 20 (I’m even considering a top 50 . . .I love too many titles . . .aaaahh!!!) around the end of this year. Some titles in the fall season seem promising =3 (I also can’t decide on my ranking yet. o_o;;;)

  53. 1. Berserk
    2. Samurai Champloo
    3. Ergo Proxy
    4. Space Runaway Ideon
    5. Gad Guard
    6. Monster
    7. Xam’d: Lost Memories
    8. Requiem from the Darkness
    9. Gun X Sword
    10. Full Metal Panic! (everything)
    11. Kino’s Journey
    12. Spice and Wolf (both seasons)
    13. Welcome to the NHK
    14. .hack//SIGN
    15. Baccano!
    16. Argento Soma
    17. Paranoia Agent
    18. Clannad
    19. Planetes
    20. Casshern Sins

  54. You really need to watch Legend of the Galactic Heroes someday. In my opinion it’s easily the best anime out there and no other show comes close. The world, story and especially the numerous characters are amazing. 90% of the show is dialogue and yet it manages to be incredibly interesting and never becomes boring.
    Watching Monster wouldn’t hurt either, it’s pretty damn good.

  55. I’ll write my list in a bit, but for now, let me just say, YOU NEED TO WATCH PLANETES, DAMMIT!! (: Seriously, I can’t think of any other show I’ve ever seen that’s more perfectly suited to your tastes than Planetes. It’s clever, it’s personable, it’s funny, it’s political, it’s slice-of-life, but most of all, it’s BEAUTIFUL. It’s about the characters, and its cast of characters is almost unrivaled, both in terms of realism and amiability (is that a word?). Every time I check this site, I keep hoping to see your review of it – not so much because I’m curious what score you’ll give it, but because then I’ll know you’ve seen it, and unless I’m TOTALLY off base, you’ll have enjoyed yourself immensely, and may even have a new contender for a spot on this list. (:
    So yeah… seriously… watch Planetes!! You won’t regret it!! (:
    -Tom

  56. Wow, Now and Then, Here and There is in my top 5 for most hated anime (and not as in stupid or boring). Here’s my top 20, although I’m sure that I’ve missed some good ones:
    20. Infinite Ryvius
    19. Juuni Kokki (12 Kingdoms)
    18. Yukikaze
    17. Claymore
    16. Nodame Cantabile
    15. Honey and Clover
    14. DN Angel
    13. Full Metal Panic Fumoffu
    12. Tenshi Na Konomaiki (Cheeky Angel)
    11. Nineteen OVA
    10. Utena
    09. El Hazard OVA1
    08. Hunter X Hunter (OVA1)
    07. Escaflowne
    06. Haibane Renmei
    05. Rahxephon
    04. Code Geass
    03. Evangelion
    02. Onisama E (Brother Dear Brother)
    01. Berserk

  57. Great list, psgels. I notice that you tend to favor science-fiction adventure types.
    In any case, here’s my top 20 list (with descriptions of why i liked the top 10):
    (15-20 titles are in no particular order)
    20) Ergo Proxy
    19) Tokyo Godfathers
    18) Beck
    17) Spice and Wolf
    16) Fullmetal Alchemist
    15) Welcome to the NHK!
    14) Kare Kano (mostly the first part anyways)
    13) Escaflowne
    12) Princess Mononoke
    11) Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo
    10) Witch Hunter Robin : Wow, I never knew a series about witches could be this good. I actually initially dropped it because the first episodes were only okay, but after episode 14 and 15, I really fell in love with this series. (The part about the Witch’s craft was a bit lame, but all other aspects totally redeemed the series a spot on the top 10 list.)
    9) Millennium Actress : This movie is certainly Satoshi Kon’s best work thus far. It presented an interesting style, and her unending quest to find her love was heartbreaking.
    8) Kaiba : I just recently finished this series, but it still stood out as another great, thought-provoking series. The last episode felt a bit too rushed, but it really deals with some heavy, mature issues rarely found in other anime.
    7) Haibane Renmei : Perhaps the most thought-provoking series in existence. Though the first five or six episodes are a bit slow (they’re still a nice bit of slice-of-life), the show simply amazes me with episode seven and finishes off on an even stronger note. Its subtle symbolism that allude to religion and sin were simply outstanding. Bravo, Yoshitoshi ABe, bravo.
    6) Rurouni Kenshin: Tsuiokuhen : One of the only action animes that is serious throughout the whole OVA, and I love that part about Rurouni Kenshin. In addition, it combines a bit of romance with lots of action and gore, and, perhaps most importantly, it delves into Kenshin’s past life and how it has shaped him. Even though I tend to hate samurai anime, this OVA really is excellent.
    5) Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya : Perhaps one of the most fanboy-ish series in existence (aside from perhaps naruto), The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya is truly a gem. One can argue that it’s not that great and it’s for pervy people (the latter with which I actually partially agree), it still hit me with the force of a full-speed train. At a time when I was desperately searching for something new and refreshing, that’s where Haruhi came in. With its refreshing and slightly unorthodox way of portraying typical otaku behaviors, it really is great.
    4) Simoun : Like you said, Simoun is truly a great characters study. I was quite skeptical at first; I mean, teen girls kissing each other in order to fight? It honestly seemed like a poor excuse to see some yuri action. (In all honesty, I think the kissing right before flying the Simoun really was unneeded.) Even during episodes 4 through 12, I really though it was only a mediocre series. Then, with episodes 13-15 (and some episodes later on), I really was drawn into this series. It simply became one of the excellent series I had seen all year.
    3) The Place Promised in Our Early Days : This wonderful movie still stands as my favorite romantic anime I have seen yet. Of the three exquisite productions Makoto Shinkai has created, this stands out as the best one due to its full length, slow yet interesting development, and emotional impact. (The scene in the plane nearly moved me to tears.) To say the least, Shinkai is a truly master.
    2) Death Note : This series is perhaps the best thriller television series I have seen thus far. The intense cat-and-mouse game was incredible (though the quality did drop a bit in the middle arc), and the path was full of twists and turns. In addition, it sows the moral soil, letting important ethical questions arise. Although I can see the accusations of the half-baked morality and the outright nihilistic viewpoint, I still think that Death Note was able to provoke moral discussions and the search for answers.
    1) Aria the Origination : Undoubtedly my favorite series of all time. It would seem odd that such a down-to-earth, even overly mundane series, as one simply watches a bunch of teen girls row gondolas for more than fifty episodes. Yet, it is because it is so unpretentious, unassuming, and tranquil that it strikes a certain, melodic chord with me. The last season (Aria the Origination) tops it off by dealing with issues that any person has wrestled with before. It really has found a special place in my heart, and I’m pretty sure that this series will forever remain #1.
    And again, great list, and great blog, psgels. I look forward to your blogs in the future.

  58. Great list, psgels. I notice that you tend to favor science-fiction adventure types.
    In any case, here’s my top 20 list:
    20) Ergo Proxy
    19) Tokyo Godfathers
    18) Beck
    17) Spice and Wolf
    16) Fullmetal Alchemist
    15) Welcome to the NHK!
    14) Kare Kano (mostly the first part anyways)
    13) Spice and Wolf
    12) Princess Mononoke
    11) Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo
    10) Witch Hunter Robin
    9) Millennium Actress
    8) Kaiba
    7) Haibane Renmei
    6) Rurouni Kenshin: Tsuiokuhen
    5) Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya
    4) Simoun
    3) The Place Promised in Our Early Days
    2) Death Note
    1) Aria the Origination
    And again, great list, and great blog, psgels. I look forward to your blogs in the future.

  59. My list is:
    Touch
    Planetes
    Whisper of the Heart
    Maison Ikkoku
    Banner of the Stars II
    Honey and Clover
    Princess Mononoke
    Natsume Yuujinchou
    Ookiku Furikabutte
    Grave of the FIreflies

  60. So… I promised I’d come back to this, and here I am! (:
    Top fifteen, in no particular order (because I suck at ranking things):
    – PopoloCrois (2003 over 1998, but let’s just say this includes both)
    – Planetes
    – Kodocha
    – Clannad (includes After Story)
    – Higurashi no Naku Koro ni (includes Kai and Rei)
    – Mahoujin Guruguru
    – Paranoia Agent
    – Millennium Actress
    – 5 Centimeters Per Second
    – R.O.D. the TV
    – Tenchi Muyo (believe it or not, TV series over OAV, and first movie most of all – but it’s all pretty good!)
    – Love Hina
    – Ashita no Nadja
    – Porco Rosso
    – Video Girl Ai? I really want to put one of Masakazu Katsura’s anime adaptions in here, but I don’t know if I prefer Video Girl Ai, I”s Pure, or DNA2, so I’m going to go with Video Girl Ai for nostalgic reasons.
    That should be pretty accurate. I’m sure I’ll immediately think of some series I forgot, but I think that pretty well covers old and new, and outlines all the anime that have had the most influence on me over the years.
    -Tom

  61. 10. Kurau: Phantom Memory
    9. Get Backers
    8. Bleach
    7. Honey & Clover
    6. Darker Than BLACK
    5. Fullmetal Alchemist
    4. Spice and Wolf
    3. CLANNAD
    2. Bokurano
    1. Blood+

  62. Just to join the fun. It’s hard to not want to make a top 20. 🙂
    1. Mushishi
    2. Berserk
    3. Bebop
    4. Spirited Away
    5. Macross (orig. series)
    6. YKK (both OVAs)
    7. Escaflowne
    8. 5 cm a second
    9. Kino
    10.Angel’s Egg
    11.Hajime no Ippo
    12.Totoro
    13.Millenium Actress
    14.Future Boy Conan
    15.Princess Tutu
    16.Mindgame
    17.Gunbuster
    18.Video Girl Ai
    19.My Daddy Long Legs
    20.Habani Renmei
    Some sort of wonky mix of old school action, art school, and slice of life.
    Nice to see someone else who likes My Daddy Long Legs, btw. Very rare.

  63. WOAH! Great masterpiece LIST!!!
    Mine are:
    1 Naruto
    2 Galaxy Railways
    3 Full Metal Alchemist
    4 Claymore
    5 Inuyasha
    6 Clannad
    7 Ragnarok
    8 Macross Frontier
    9 Stars Chronicles
    10 Blue Gender
    11 Vision of Escaflowne
    12 Princess Mononoke
    13 Vandread
    14 Robotech (1st season)
    15 Hunter x Hunter
    16 Rurouni Kenshin
    17 Tales of Phantasia
    18 Martian Succesor Nadesico
    19 Full metal panic
    20 Last Exile
    But is really complicated to assign ranks within these great titles… :/

  64. From your top 20, I’ve seen at least part of everything but:
    Mouryou no Hako
    Birdy the Mighty Decode 2
    The Third: Aoi Hitomi no Shoujo
    Simoun
    Probably worth tracking down.
    I also wish that there was some way to track down an English language version of Strange Dawn. Partially-released series are the worst in that regard. The licensor won’t finish it, and (legit) fansubbers won’t touch it because it’s technically licensed.
    Top 20… much harder to do than a top 10.
    1 Revolutionary Girl Utena
    2 Berserk
    3 Future Boy Conan
    4 Akazukin Chacha
    5 Patlabor
    6 Irresponsible Captain Tylor
    7 Kodocha
    8 Kaiba
    9 Mind Game
    10 Now and Then, Here and There
    11 Cosmic Baton Girl Comet-san
    12 Hare+Guu
    13 Robot Carnival
    14 Popolocrois
    15 Princess Tutu
    16 Ghost Hound
    17 Dennou Coil
    18 Hime-chan’s Ribbon
    19 Absolute Boy (aka Zettai Shonen)
    20 Monster

  65. For me:
    1)Katekyoushi Hitman Reborn! (lol Ryohei KYOKUGEN!)
    2)Mythical Detecitive Loki
    3)One Piece
    4)When Cicadas Cry
    5)Sasami:Mahou Shoujo Club
    6)Beet the Vandel Buster/Excellion
    7)Gantz
    8)Baki the Grappler
    9)King of Fighters:Another Day
    10)Atashin’chi
    11)Keroro
    12)D-Gray Man
    13)Tenchi Muyo
    14)Happiness!
    15)Saiyuki Reload series
    16)Sailor Moon
    17)Weiss Kruz(known as Knight Hunters)
    18)You’re Under Arrest
    19)Mamotte!Lollipop
    20)Hana Yori Dango

  66. The best anime for me was Ookiku Furikabutte, because it was THE PERFECT COMBINATION of good art, script, voice, soundtracks, details, story, characters, atmosphere, etc.
    Taken parts by parts, there’s nothing about Oofuri that are not outdone by other series. There are animes with better art, stories, characters, soundtracks, etc.
    But as a sum of the part, Oofuri tops the others. It is the series where I can feel the animation team’s love and the series which makes me lament why none of my other fave mangas get adapted this well.
    I have not yet find other animes with the perfect combination, sadly. There are quite some animes that I like, but most of them fail to get satisfactory grade in one or more aspect I listed above (I’m not even demanding “awesome” grade, I don’t think I’m asking too much).
    Anyways, not in order, but some other animes that impresses me a lot
    – Baccano
    – Honey and Clover I
    – FMP: Fumoffu and Second Raid
    – Gintama
    – Mushishi
    – Seirei no Moribito
    – Minami-ke
    – FMA:B
    – Ghost in the Shell (I’m surprised I don’t see more GITS in other people’s list).
    I want to put in One Piece or Amatsuki into the list, the original manga storyline is what makes the score so high, and not the animation team effort. I believe if the anime is not more satisfactory than the original source, the animators don’t deserve the credit.

  67. Wow, i love your top twenty. Though there are some that I disagree with; but it is a personal opinion. I never really sat down and actually try to figure out what I like best. But there are many that I just find I can’t forget after watching them and they actually made me re-watch them because they were that impressive. In no particular order:
    1. Seirei no Moribito
    2) Rose of Versailles
    3) The Third
    4) Gankoutsou
    5) Honey and Clover I & II
    6) Blood+
    7) Ookiku Fuributte
    8) Inital D
    9) One Piece
    10) Great Teacher Onizuka
    11) Berserk
    12) Beck
    13) Black Lagoon
    14) Le Chevalier
    15) Himitsu the revelation
    16) Monster
    17) Genshinken (ALL including Ovas)
    18) LOGH
    19) Natsume Yuujinchou
    20) Seikai no Senki (banner of the stars)All 3 seasons
    I am sure there are many more that I miss that are many more times more impressive to me but since I am typing this in the spur of the moment these are the ones that I can remember.
    As for honorable mentions since they are not quite done yet:
    1) Kemono Souja no Erin
    2) Cross game
    3) Darker than Black 1 and 2
    4) Bakemonogatori

  68. Here is mine in no order…..
    -Prince of Tennis
    -Hajime no Ippo + New Challenger
    -Gundam 00
    -Toradora!
    -Texhnolyze
    -Great Teacher Onizuka
    -Initial D
    -Toward The Terra
    -Clannad + After Story
    -Azumanga Daioh
    -Hellsing + Hellsing Ultimate
    -Higurashi no Naku Koro ni + Rest of Higurashi
    -Code Geass
    -X
    -Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann
    -Eden of the East
    -Neon Genesis Evangelion
    -Ouran High School Host Club
    -Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei + Rest of series
    -Serial Experiments Lain
    Can anybody help me find something else I’d like based off this list please?

  69. Wow. I haven’t done one of these in ages. I don’t watch anime as religiously as I used to. My watching peak occurred during the late-90s and early 2000s and it is obvious by my choices. ^_^
    Top 10 TV Series
    1. Cowboy Bebop
    2. Vision of Escaflowne
    3. Juuni Kokki
    4. Azumanga Daioh
    5. Ookiku Furikabutte
    6. Crest/Banner of the Stars
    7. Full Metal Panic The Second Raid
    8. Neon Genesis Evangelion
    9. Kareshi Kanojo no Jijou
    10. Black Lagoon
    Top 5 OVAs
    1. FLCL
    2. Macross Plus
    3. Please Save My Earth
    4. Here is Greenwood
    5. Bubblegum Crisis
    Top 5 Movies
    1. Princess Mononoke
    2. Sprited Away
    3. Grave of the Fireflies
    4. My Neighbor Totoro
    5. Ocean Waves
    All Ghibli. Tee hee! >,

  70. I refuse to come up with top lists unless I can also include manga in them (I’ll note which ones are manga):
    20. *honorary temporary place for Legend of the Galactic Heroes, see note*
    19. Mr. Stain in the Junk Alley
    18. Planetes
    17. Ode to Kirihtio (manga)
    16. Battle Royale (manga)
    15. Key the Metal Idol
    14. Interstella 5555
    13. Fantastic Children
    12. Mushi-shi
    11. Noein
    10. Liar Game (manga)
    9. Baccano!
    8. Outlaw Star
    7. Cromartie High School (anime and manga)
    6. Please Save My Earth (manga)
    5. Metropolis
    4. Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann
    3. Maison Ikkoku (manga)
    2. Princess Tutu
    1. Banana Fish (manga)
    *I’m only halfway through Legend of the Galactic Heroes, I’ll decide when I’m done where it’s sure to go on this list for sure.

  71. Here are my favorites in no particular order:
    ! ZEGAPAIN (a very underappreciated, but incredible series with a fabulously developed cast of characters, in intriguing setting, and a fascinating look at virtual reality, plus some really cool ideas in general)
    ! Law of Ueki (a bit childish, but does a great job of developing characters and making them really endearing, in addition to keeping it interesting with some innovative battle tactics)
    ! Hunter x Hunter (the first season and the first OVA were amazing–not only were the characters incredible, but the plot was interesting and the animation was beautiful. You just don’t get that kind of warm, fuzzy 90’s feeling anymore, everything has to have so much shine and lineart and definition)
    ! Persona ~trinity soul~ (a lovely story that does a beautiful job developing the characters and keeping you in suspense, plus it’s got such a nice, relaxed slice-of-life feeling)
    ! His and Her Circumstances (I adored the manga and loved the characters, but again, it’s got the great 90’s feel with the hand-drawn art and the warm, fuzzy backgrounds and none of that annoying CG and glitz and glitter that makes the animes so ridiculously flashy these days–really, do shoujo series need so much craziness?)
    ! Full Metal Panic (and the Second Raid)(FMP is one of the best mecha around. I did like Gundam Seed, but FMP does a wonderful job of mixing interesting concepts with realistic mechas, plus an engaging cast of characters)
    ! Hikaru no Go (like HxH, HnG was a beautiful adaptation of the manga with some interesting new bits mixed in. The characters were lovable and interesting and the relationships were very realistic. Plus, who would have thought a series about Go would be so interesting?)
    ! .Hack//Roots (a nice .Hack series with an interesting main character. I liked it better than Sign because there were not as many long boring landscape scenes and not as much of the strange singing/chanting and some more action and stuff, rather than watching Tsubasa emo-ing. Plus, Haseo is infinitely cooler, even when he’s emo-ing)
    I also liked the following, but don’t feel the need to do a plug for them since you should already know them (the same could be said for some of the above, but I’m getting lazy): Noein, Toward the Terra, Ouran High School Host Club, the original FMA (since I’m too lazy to see the one new one if it’s the exact same as the manga, which I’m already reading), Neon Genesis Evangelion, Blood+, Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann and The Melancholy of Suzumiya Haruhi (though only the first season, I haven’t even bothered watching the second season since I feel like it’ll ruin my enjoyment of the first).

  72. A top 20 is kinda hard for me, but I’ll just do a top 6, WITH descriptions!
    1. Shounen Onmyouji – I’m pretty much the biggest otaku for this show in the entire world. Yeah, the plot may seem a bit cliche at first glance (wanting to be the best, yada yada yada), but after many episodes, this show just literally BLOWS you away with the character development (they even develop Seimei’s shikigami!), incredible plot twists, and did I forget to mention Masahiro being SO hilarious when he’s angry!? I love everything about this series: art, graphics, characters (Masahiro especially), the story, seiyuus, Kaida Yuki, music, plot twists, etc.!
    2. Kamichama Karin – Yeah, everyone’s gonna disagree with me, but hey, I love this! This is the only magical girl anime I love with a passion, and it’s all thanks to Koge-Donbo and it’s references to Greek Gods and mythology, even though it’s aimed at kids and it’s a shoujo. I really like the characters. Yeah, the art does get kinda weird, but Satelight makes up for it by fixing the messed up parts for the DVD! Plus it’s execution of character study and use of Greek mythology is great too!
    3. Amuri in Star Ocean – Never in my whole life have I been so blown away by an anime like this. Yeah, it’s SO under appreciated and mistaken for a horrible, ecchi, yuri-moe anime when it is COMPLETELY NOT! Despite the setting and content, this anime is just incredible in all kinds of ways. Especially the way it focuses on the three main characters and their traumatic pasts. This is an anime mostly about friendship, discrimination, learning to accept how you were born, and the strongest message in the series, learning that whatever affliction you have, you are not alone in the world. It does have some flaws and unanswered questions, but I still love it no matter what!
    4. Tokyo Magnitude 8.0 – I agree with psgels, this is one anime that simply blows you away and defying all your expectations. Everything about the series is simply great. Character study, music, themes, and the ending, which made me cry SOOOO much!
    5. Natsume Yuujinchou – One of the most quiet and beautiful series I’ve ever seen. Every episode is bittersweet yet heart-warming and leaves you with a warm, fuzzy feeling inside. This series is a true gem and I think this should be licensed and dubbed immediately! I especially love Takashi (Kamiya Hiroshi FTW!) and how he struggles through life and confronts his craving for acceptance from both humans and youkai. Plus, Nyanko is cracktastic in various ways!
    6. Ringing Bell – While not an anime series, this old 1978 movie is one of the darkest gems I’ve ever seen! And it doesn’t have one of those cliche happy endings that make everything feel not worth watching! This anime is simply about going against who you are, nonconformity, and the true consequences of revenge. While this may seem like a cute kiddie film, after the first 10-15 minutes, this immediately becomes dark and twisted and pulls absolutely no punches. It also shows that not all paths in life are happy and coloful (like literally 99.9% of the Disney movies).

  73. Ack! I bolded everything by accident! I was supposed to bold the anime titles! Gak! Whaddo I do!? I’ll rewrite this later!

  74. i would suggest that you watch some of the top “running” animes, it means the animes are still airing new episodes weekly.
    Below is the list of my top 20:
    1. Bleach
    2. Naruto (both Naruto and Naruto Shippuden)
    3. One Piece
    4. Kateikyoshi Hitman Reborn
    5. Kaze no Stigma
    6. Code Geass: Hangyaku no Lelouch R2
    7. Code Geass: Hangyaku no Lelouch
    8. Death Note
    9.Princess Lover!
    10. Zero no Tsukaima (all 3 Seasons)
    11. To Love-Ru (not recommended for children under 13 for it has some ecchi scenes)
    12. Maburaho
    13. Tears to Tierra
    14. Needless
    15. Myself; Yourself
    16. Akane-Iro Ni Somaru Saka
    17. Seto No Hanayome
    18. Black Cat
    19. Hayate (both seasons)
    20. Vampire Knight

  75. From the beginning I read this blog, I’ve always liked it. I’m a fan of anime/manga too, and this is a great source of good animes. Please continue to keep this blog updated, as I’m sure many other people think the same as me.
    My list isn’t 20 and aren’t in order, but I particularily enjoyed them.
    [b]The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya
    [/b][i]A very odd romance/comedy/action/school life anime where the story revolves around haruhi, a girl in school. She’s completely different to everyone else and holds secrets that may cause the world to change.[/i]
    [b]Rosario + Vampire [and capu2][/b]
    [i]A funny vampire anime [for all you twilight fans] that has a strange introduction – A boy ends up in a school full of monsters! He has to survive and try his best not to reveal his identity as a human, along with trying not to fall in love with the cute girls![/i]
    [b]Clannad[/b]
    [i]A touching anime with amazing detail/graphics about a girl with an allergy that prevents her from moving on in school. A boy comes along and, for the first time in her life, she makes a friend. From then on, well, you’ll have to watch it :3[/i]

  76. I´m reading this blog for a year or so and I just noticed that I´ve never commented on anything…well…considering it´s about time, here´s my top 20.
    Gungrave
    Full Metal Alchemist (Brotherhood is kinda cool too)
    Cowboy bebop
    Visions of Escaflowne
    Noein (this one I picked on your recommendation, so thank you very much :P)
    Baccano!
    Evangelion
    Trigun
    Samurai Champloo
    Monster
    Darker than Black
    Code Geass
    Last Exile
    Scrapped Princess
    Ergo Proxy
    R.O.D.
    Higurashi
    Birdy Season 2
    The place promised in our early days
    5 cm per second (though that crappy song towards the end kinda ruined the experience)
    Blood +
    Skip Beat (guilty pleasure)
    if I had to pick five from the list to be the absolute favs it would be:
    Noein
    Full Metal Alchemist
    Monster
    Vision of Escaflowne
    Last Exile
    Greetings from Vienna,
    Jerz

  77. I’m adding more!
    7. Nabari no Ou – I really love this show. Yeah, sure it’s about ninjas and supposedly a parody of Naruto. But this series avoids the Naruto cliches by making the characters decently developed, avoiding dragging the series too much, and most of all, making sure that the series doesn’t go into a big cheesy emo-fest. There are very few emo characters in here (the only one being Yoite, but he’s awesome!). Plus the main character isn’t loud and overly hyper. He’s quiet and wants to live a normal life…and has found ways to cope with it.
    8. Lucky Star – Yeah, call me crazy, but I really enjoyed this show. Sure it seems all otaku-ish and annoying to some, but this is one of the few shows that relaxed the heck out of me (other three being Fancy Lala, Sora no Manimani, and Yumeiro Patissiere). Plus the characters do, in fact, have real problems and it’s not a cheesy emo-fest either.
    9. Clannad – Out of all the shows that both portrayed the characters well and made good romance, Clannad is the winner of the first prise. It has supernatural elements, but those were important. Plus, I can really relate to Nagisa because I too have socialization problems (due to my being autistic) and often have problems making friends. Plus the characters have real problems too, instead of those overexaggerated ones (such as parents dying, parents divorcing, trouble with making friends, boyfriend and girlfriend problems, etc.)
    10. Les Miserables Shoujo Cosette – I totally agree with psgels. This show’s way of developing it’s characters is literally unrivaled. I haven’t read the book, but my music class showed the musical to us on DVD and I’m aware that the twist didn’t make it into the anime, but I don’t really care. This series is just full of suspense, leaving you craving for more (like it did for me)! I’ve only seen up to episode 18 and I wish Aoi-Anime could sub more episodes! Plus I really like Cosette. She’s so lady-like even at a young age.
    11. Jungle Emperor 2009 Special – Call me crazy, but this has a high place in my list for a reason. Yeah, it’s supposed to say that humans are bad, but it also does show that not all humans have bad intentions. They were faithful to the fact that Panja/Caesar dies (which he does in literally every Jungle Emperor anime out there), it had lots of dark and serious moments (like one scene which I refuse to describe), doesn’t pull punches to the deaths of characters (two people committed suicide in different ways), and the main villain is actually portrayed as human considering the feelings he has for his son. It’s natural for any parent to have a need to help their kids. Plus Leo was sooo cute in this!

  78. my top 20 animes are:
    1. flame of recca
    2. ghost fighter
    3. outlaw star
    4. cowboy bebop
    5. trigun
    6. pokemon
    7. magic knight
    8. shaman king
    9. hunter x hunter
    10. code geass
    11. wolf’s rain
    12. bleach
    13 one piece
    14. naruto
    15. fairy tail
    16. fushigi yuugi
    17. slam dunk
    18. special A
    19. azumanga daioh
    20. full metal alchemist
    nice blog!

  79. Choosing a top 20 is hard, so I choose to do it no particular order:
    Toward The Terra
    Code Geass
    Escaflowne
    Utena
    Princess Tutu
    Death Note
    Rahxepheon
    Blood +
    Full Metal Alchemist
    Nana
    Monster
    Sailor Moon
    Card Capture Sakura
    Rose of Versailles
    R.O.D the TV
    Neon Genesis Evangelion
    Cowboy Bebop
    Black Jack 21
    X TV
    Macross Frontier

  80. 1.One Piece
    2.Bleach
    3.Kateikyoushi Hitman Reborn
    4.Naruto & Naruto Shippuuden
    5.Deathnote
    6.Saiunkoku Monogatari & Saiunkoku Monogatari Second Series
    7.D.Gray-man
    8.Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
    9.Code Geass & Code Geass R2
    10.Fushigi Yuugi
    11.Prince of tennis
    12.Skip Beat
    13.Fruits Basket
    14.D.N Angel
    15.Vampire Knight & Vampire Knight Guilty
    16.Kamikaze Kaitou Jeanne
    17.Clannad & Clannad After Story
    18.Inuyasha
    19.Avatar-The Last Airbender
    20.Shaman King
    Though One Piece, Bleach, Kateikyoushi Hitman Reborn, Naruto Shippuuden and Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood are still on-going, I still think that the story is great !! I am sure that they will have good endings.
    This are the animes i have watched :
    07-ghost,Air Gear, Angel Heart, Avatar-The Last Airbender, Bleach, Clannad, Clannad After Story, Code Geass, Code Geass R2, D.Gray-man, D.N. Angel, Death Note, Fullmetal Alchemist, Fullmetal Alchemist : Brotherhood, Hayate no Gotoku, Hayate no Gotoku S2, Inuyasha, Katekyo Hitman Reborn, Kuroshitsuji, Naruto, Naruto Shippuuden, One Piece, Ouran High School Host Club, Prince of Tennis, Shaman King, Skip Beat, Aishiteruze Baby,Akaneiro ni Somaru, Higurashi No Naku Koro Ni,Higurashi No Naku Koro Ni Kai,Hikaru no Go, Kamikaze Kaitou Jeanne, Saint Tail,Special A, Kaze no Stigma,Fushigi Yuugi, Ayashi no Ceres,Matantei Loki Ragnaro,Toradora,Mai-HIME, Fruits Basket,Cardcaptor Sakura, Vampire Knight, Vampire Knight Guilty,Saiunkoku Monogatari, Saiunkoku Monogatari Second Series

  81. waaaaahh!!!
    1. Ouran High School Host Club
    2. Fruits Basket
    3. Clannad
    4. lovely complex
    5. Katekyoushi Hitman Reborn

  82. in no particular order:
    Toward the terra
    darker than black
    noein
    ghost hound
    Clannad
    Phantom requiem for the phantom
    bacano
    birdy the mighty 2
    gintama
    bonen no xamdou

  83. I am currently watching Mouryou no Hako and so far it’s pretty good! After reading your top 20, I decided to take your list and watch some of the anime on the list (which most of them I hadn’t heard of, which is good for me). After Mouryou no Hako I will probably watch either Kaiba and Bokura no next. I’ve already seen Haibane Renmei (which is by far one of my favorite anime series EVER!!) and Mushi-shi which is another great show. Anyway, thanks for the list and I hope to make an anime blog of my own soon and I hope you will support my blog whenever I put it up.

  84. loving your blog–you’ve single-handedly persuaded me to watch Simoun. Usually I watch shows based on their style and I HATE Simoun’s style, but ‘best character study’ ever? That’s some high praise.
    also a Kazuki Akane fan here…a lot of shows i need to check out
    my list:
    1. Revolutionary Girl Utena
    2. FLCL
    3. Noein
    4. Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann
    5. Princess Tutu
    6. Animatrix
    7. Last Exile
    8. Escaflowne
    9. Evangelion
    10….Tenchi Muyo!

  85. Bah! I’m gonna post what I have so far!
    20. Nobody’s Boy/Girl Remi (yeah, I included both versions! Don’t hate me!)
    19. Princess Tutu
    18.
    17.
    16.
    15. Lucky Star
    14. 07-Ghost
    13. A Little Princess
    12. Haibane Renmei
    11. Jungle Emperor 2009
    10. Les Miserables Shoujo Cosette
    9. Clannad
    8. Kamichama Karin
    7. Nabari no Ou
    6. Ringing Bell
    5. Natsume Yuujinchou
    4. Tokyo Magnitude 8.0
    3. Dog of Flanders (1997 anime movie)
    2. Amuri in Star Ocean
    1. Shounen Onmyouji
    I made some changes to it a little bit. I haven’t found 16-18 yet. I’m still looking for those.

  86. 1. Legend of the Galactic Heroes
    2. Mushishi
    3. Texhnolyze
    4. Aria the Origination
    5. Kino’s Journey
    6. Haibane Renmei
    7. Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket
    8. Revolutionary Girl Utena
    9. Baccano!
    10. Cowboy Bebop
    11. Princess Tutu
    12. Yojouhan Shinwa Taikei
    13. Mind Game
    14. Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam
    15. Rurouni Kenshin: Tsuiokuhen
    16. La Maison en Petits Cubes
    17. Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion
    18. Inaka Isha
    19. Crest of the Stars
    20. Detroit Metal City

  87. 1. Mushi-shi
    2. Noein
    3. Honey & Clover
    4. Spice & Wolf
    5. Ergo Proxy
    6. Eureka 7
    7. Saiunkoku Monogatari
    8. Baccano!
    9. Ookiku Furikabutte
    10. Ghost Hunt
    11. Dennou Coil
    12. Witch Hunter Robin
    13. Samurai Champloo
    14. Rozen Maiden
    15. Michiko to Hatchin
    16. Mouryou no Hako
    17. FMA: Brotherhood
    18. Real Drive
    19. Speed Grapher
    20. Tokyo Magnitude 8.0

  88. 1. Cowboy Bebop & The movie
    2. Full Metal Alchemist
    3. Vision of Escaflowne
    4. Death Note
    5. Neon Genesis Evangelion & End of Evangelion & You Are [Not] Alone & You Can[not] Advance
    6. Last Exile
    7. Noein
    8. Mushishi
    9. Ghost in the Shell – Stand Alone Complex
    10. Ghost in the Shell – Stand Alone Complex 2nd Gig
    11. Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo
    12. Haibane Renmei
    13. Monster
    14. Rahxephon
    15. Moribito – Guardian of the Spirit
    16. Gungrave
    17. The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya season 1
    18. Full Metal Panic
    19. Full Metal Panic The 2nd Raid
    20. Code Geass
    21. Code Geass R2
    22. Samurai Champloo
    23. Clannad after story
    24. Eureka Seven & Eureka Seven: Good Night, Sleep Tight, Young Lovers
    25. Kino’s Journey
    26. Twelve Kingdoms
    27. Wolf’s Rain
    28. Revolutionary Girl Utena
    Can someone tell me the best sci-fi mecha anime to buy that i don’t have? like Macross?
    Please tell me what reply top 20 on here makes the best sense in order! Psgels? Someone elses?

  89. 20. Ie Naki Ko Remi (Both 1977 and 1997 versions)
    19. Princess Tutu
    18. Bungaku Shoujo
    17. Secret of Cerulean Sand
    16. Puella Magi Madoka Magica
    15. Happy Birthday: Inochi Kagayaku Toki
    14. 07-Ghost
    13. A Little Princess Sara
    12. Haibane Renmei
    11. Tamayura (Both TV and OVAs)
    10. Les Miserables Shoujo Cosette
    9. Clannad (both first season and After Story)
    8. Nabari no Ou
    7. Ano Hi Mita Hana no Namae wo Bokutachi wa Mada Shiranai
    6. Ringing Bell
    5. Natsume Yuujinchou (all four seasons)
    4. Tokyo Magnitude 8.0
    3. Dog of Flanders (all anime related to franchise)
    2. Amuri in Star Ocean
    1. Shounen Onmyouji

  90. My Top 30 Favorite Anime:
    1. Shounen Onmyouji
    2. Amuri in Star Ocean
    3. Dog of Flanders (Two TV series + movie)
    4. Tokyo Magnitude 8.0
    5. Natsume Yuujinchou (All seasons)
    6. Ringing Bell
    7. Ano Hi Mita Hana no Namae wo Bokutachi wa Mada Shiranai
    8. Haibane Renmei
    9. Les Miserables: Shoujo Cosette
    10. Happy Birthday: Inochi Kagayaku Toki
    11. Tamayura
    12. A Little Princess Sara
    13. Fancy Lala
    14. Nabari no Ou
    15. 07-Ghost
    16. Puella Magi Madoka Magica
    17. Secret of Cerulean Sand
    18. Tsuritama
    19. Ie Naki Ko Remi (Both 1977 and 1997 anime)
    20. Momoko: Kaeru no Uta ga Kikoeru yo
    21. Digimon Tamers
    22. Ikoku Meiro no Croisee
    23. Seirei no Moribito
    24. Heartcatch Precure
    25. Clannad and Clannad After Story
    26. Bunny Drop
    27. Anne of Green Gables
    28. CardCaptor Sakura
    29. Vision of Escaflowne
    30. Nurse Angel Ririka SOS

  91. I would not also appreciate how I ended right up listed here, on the other hand assumed this kind of distribute once was very good. I really don’t know who you really are having said that surely you will a new well known digg should you are not currently. All the best!

  92. Series I finished watching, or that I am currently watching and made my mind up about.
    1 – Neon Genesis Evangelion
    2 – Bubblegum Crisis
    3 – Un-Go
    4 – Psycho-Pass
    5 – Seraphim Call
    6 – Time of Eve/Eve no Jikan
    7 – Tokyo Magnitude 8.0
    8 – RahXephon
    9 – Mnemosyne
    10 – Silent Möbius
    11 – Serial Experiments Lain
    12 – Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex
    13 – Elfen Lied
    14 – Death Note
    15 – Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion
    16 – Oniisama e…
    17 – K-On!
    18 – K
    19 – Cowboy Bebop
    20 – Kurau Phantom Memory
    21 – NANA
    22 – Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha
    23 – Rosario + Vampire
    24 – Azumanga Daioh
    25 – Megazone 23
    26 – Bubblegum Crisis Tokyo 2040
    27 – Aiura
    28 – A.D. Police Files
    29 – Parasite Dolls
    30 – Battle Angel/Gunnm
    Films list includes:
    1 End of Evangelion
    2 Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone
    3 Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance
    4 Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo
    5 Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence
    6 Ghost in the Shell
    7 Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex. Solid State Society
    8 Silent Möbius: The Motion Picture
    9 Silent Möbius: The Motion Picture 2
    10 Akira
    11 Neo Tokyo
    12 Appleseed OVA
    13 Neon Genesis Evangelion: Death & Rebirth
    This list will naturally grow

    1. I didn’t add Cardcaptor Sakura and Kaitou Saint Tail, because I watched them dubbed in Portuguese. All listed above were watched subbed.

  93. This is an interesting list. Birdy and Noein aren’t too common on lists like these. I liked them both a lot, although Escaflowne didn’t appeal to me as much.
    Top 20 would look like this:
    1. FLCL
    2. Digimon Tamers
    3. Baccano!
    4. Dennou Coil
    5. Cowboy Bebop
    6. Welcome to the NHK!
    7. Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann
    8. Legend of the Galactic Heroes
    9. Kino’s Journey
    10. Planetes
    11. Revolutionary Girl Utena
    12. Tatami Galaxy
    13. Fullmetal Alchemist
    14. Gankutsuou
    15. Giant Robo the Animation: The Day the Earth Stood Still
    16. Noein – To Your Other Self
    17. Kaiba
    18. Mushi-shi
    19. Birdy the Mighty: Decode 02
    20. Monster

  94. 1. Texhnolyze
    2. Mushishi
    3. The Tatami Galaxy
    4. Welcome to Irabu’s Office
    5. Hourou Musuko
    6. Planetes
    7. Katanagatari
    8. anohana
    9. Kino’s Journey
    10. Ergo Proxy
    11. Neon Genesis Evangelion
    12. Nichijou
    13. Gunbuster + Diebuster
    14. 5 Centimeters Per Second
    15. Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex
    16. Serial Experiments Lain
    17. Paranoia Agent
    18. Tokyo Godfathers
    19. Aoi Bungaku Series
    20. The Garden of Sinners

  95. 1. Berserk
    2. Neon Genesis Evangelion.
    3. Ghost in the shell.
    4. Akira.
    5. Metropolis.
    6. Princess Mononoke.
    7. Nausicaa.
    8. Noein.
    9. Millenium Actress.
    10. Cowboy Beebop.
    11. Battle Angel.
    12. Chobits.
    13. Full Moon.
    14. Darker Than Black Ryuusei no Gemini.
    15. Texhnolyze.
    16. Welcome to the NHK.
    17. Orguss 2.
    18. Macross +.
    19. Laputa.
    20. Arriety.

  96. Alright. Now my top 30 is set in stone this time.
    1. Shounen Onmyouji
    2. Fancy Lala
    3. Dog of Flanders (movie, 1975 series, and 1992 series)
    4. Tokyo Magnitude 8.0
    5. Natsume Yuujinchou (All seasons)
    6. Ringing Bell
    7. Rose of Versailles
    8. Haibane Renmei
    9. Les Miserables Shoujo Cosette
    10. Happy Birthday: Inochi Kagayaku Toki
    11. Snow White With The Red Hair
    12. A Little Princess Sara
    13. Popolocrois (1998)
    14. After War Gundam X
    15. Yona of the Dawn
    16. AnoHana
    17. In This Corner of the World
    18. Ie Naki Ko Remi (1977 and 1997 series)
    19. Perrine Monogatari
    20. Digimon Tamers
    21. Ikoku Meiro no Croisee
    22. Seirei no Moribito
    23. Heartcatch Precure
    24. Bunny Drop
    25. Anne of Green Gables/Before Green Gables
    26. Vision of Escaflowne
    27. Figure 17
    28. Emily of New Moon
    29. Jewelpet Twinkle
    30. Whisper of the Heart

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