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The list can go on endlessly when talking about anime that will stick with someone forever, as it is more of a personal preference. With some series making the fans overly emotional, others pumping their adrenaline on the high, and keeping them on the edge of their seats, there are always some anime series for anyone and everyone.
With a wide variety of series across several notable genres, from adventure to supernatural, here are ten classic anime that have several elements, making them iconic, and creating an everlasting impression on the viewers.
Disclaimer: This article solely reflects the author's opinions.
Naruto, One Piece, Dragon Ball, and 7 other anime that will stick with you and leave an everlasting impression
1) Naruto
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One of Studio Pierrot's biggest and popular titles, the Naruto series written by Masashi Kishimoto, is undoubtedly one of the most iconic series to date. Starting back in 2002, the series was the beginning point of an anime journey for many fans and has made an everlasting mark in their hearts.
From plentiful action sequences to several emotional breaking points, the series caters to viewers of every age, especially teenagers. Although mostly an action series with an impressive and expansive narrative, Naruto also features several coming-of-age moments that are relatable to several viewers, making it so popular.
Where to watch: Netflix, Crunchyroll, and Amazon Prime Video.
2) Your Name (Kimi no Na wa)
Released in the fall of 2016, the anime film Your Name, also known as Kimi no Na wa, by CoMix Wave Films, is a true definition of a love story with a mix of supernatural elements. It is one of the most immaculate films, with stunning animation work and beautiful background imagery, and it is an amazing story written by Makoto Shinkai.
The story is a touching emotional tale of two strangers, Taki and Mitsuha, who, by some mysterious phenomenon, switch bodies with each other. They decide to adapt and live their everyday lives, but both attempt to meet eventually. However, this uncovers a tragic event that occurred in Mitsuha's hometown, uncovering a heartwarming and emotional story of love and fate.
Where to watch: Crunchyroll, Netflix (selective regions), and Prime Video.
3) Code Geass
Written by Ichiro Okouchi and produced by Studio Sunrise, Code Geass is an original Japanese TV show that debuted back in 2006. Covering several mainstream genres like sci-fi, mecha, and military fiction, the series also follows a realistic take on several factors of the series, which makes it iconic.
Lelouch Lamperouge is a young man who is granted the power of the Geass. With this power, Lelouch leads a rebellion against the Holy Britannia Empire, a powerful global empire that acquired several nations. After becoming the leader of the resistance movement "Zero", Lelouch aims to defeat the empire and establish a new and better world.
Where to watch: Crunchyroll and Amazon Prime Video.
4) One Piece
Known for being one of TOEI Animation's biggest successful series, One Piece, written by Eiichiro Oda, is a classic series that has brought joy and enjoyment to its fandom ever since it first aired in 1999. From impactful fight scenes to several emotional sequences, the series is considered one of the "Big Four" in the shonen genre.
Following the pirate life of Monkey D. Luffy and his comrades, Zoro, Sanji, Nami, Usopp, Chopper, Robin, Brook, Franky, and Jinbe, the story revolves around them finding the treasure, One Piece, hidden by the infamous king of the pirates, Gol D. Roger. On their pursuit, the crew encounters several adventures, making new friends and enemies.
Where to watch: Netflix, Crunchyroll, and Amazon Prime Video.
5) The Dragon Ball series
Written by the legendary mangaka, the late Akira Toriyama, TOEI Animation's Dragon Ball series was the childhood starting point for many anime fans and viewers. Expanding upon several seasons and versions of the story, the Dragon Ball series is a raw presentation of action and adventure with several fan-favorite characters.
The Dragon Ball series has many iconic characters, like Goku, Vegeta, Piccolo, and many more, who diversify in both power and narration of the series. While the series does not follow a generic narration style like others, it mainly centers on Goku and a certain main roster of characters as they fight to save their planet while encountering several iconic villains and enemies.
Where to watch: Crunchyroll, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu.
6) Attack on Titan
Released in 2013, the Attack on Titan anime was initially produced by Wit Studio, but was later taken over by MAPPA. Originally written by the mangaka Hajime Isayama, the anime became a massive hit among viewers from the very first episode.
It followed one of the most unique concepts of that time, with several characters who became iconic for their personalities. Furthermore, Attack on Titan focuses on a more complex story design than the generic formulated path several other series take, with an anti-hero angle to the story rather than a definite protagonist or antagonist.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video.
7) Fullmetal Alchemist
Produced by Studio Bones in 2003, Fullmetal Alchemist, written by Hiromu Arakawa, is a classic anime series that is another big name like Naruto and One Piece. Like other series during its time, the Studio Bones' anime series was an entry for several anime fans who followed it through all the seasons.
The Fullmetal Alchemist series is an epitome of adventure and the supernatural elements genre, particularly alchemy. The series's main key characters or protagonists, Edward and Alphonse Elric, go on a quest. During this, Edward tries everything in his power to find a way to resurrect his brother Alphonse, whose soul is bound to a suit of armor during an experiment.
Where to watch: Crunchyroll and Amazon Prime Video.
8) Demon Slayer
The Demon Slayer series was written by mangaka Koyoharu Gotouge and produced by Ufotable. Despite being a considerably newer series, it has grown a fandom that appreciates what it stands for. First airing in 2019, the ongoing series features several intense fight scenes with arguably some of the most tragic and emotional moments in anime history.
The series follows a young Tanjiro Kamado, who one day finds his entire family slaughtered by demons and his little sister Nezuko turned into one. He joins the Demon Slayer Corps with a mission in mind, turning his sister back into a human and defeating the king of demons, Kibutsuji Muzan. Along with his comrades, Tanjiro jumps into an adventure to accomplish his goals.
Where to watch: Crunchyroll, Netflix, Amazon Prime, and JioHotstar (India).
9) Death Note
When it comes to detective and thriller anime series, nothing comes close to the cult classic Death Note series produced by Madhouse and written by Tsugumi Ohba. First airing in the fall of 2006, the series remains one of the best-written detective stories and probably one of the most unique blends of supernatural elements.
One day, a Shinigami named Ryuk drops his Death Note into the human world, just for his entertainment. Light Yagami, a model high school student, finds the notebook and discovers its immense yet sinister powers. Overwhelmed by the power he now holds, Light grows a god complex and wants to serve his form of justice, but must be stopped by L and the others from the police department.
Where to watch: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and Peacock.
10) My Hero Academia
One of Studio Bones' newer creations, written by mangaka Kohei Horikoshi, the My Hero Academia series is considered one of the best shonen anime today. Releasing back in 2016, the series has been uniquely acknowledged by the fans for its iconic plethora of characters and beautifully written storyline.
In a world full of people with quirks, Izuku Midoriya is a quirkless boy who looks up to All Might and aspires to be a hero. One day, his dreams come true as he meets All Might and is chosen as the successor of the quirk, One for All. To take a step further in achieving his dreams, Midoriya joins U.A. High but is quickly faced with several villains who want to cause destruction, led by the villain, All for One.
Where to watch: Crunchyroll, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video.
Final thoughts
There are several series that are being adapted by renowned production studios daily. While udoutably the standards have risen throughout the years with improved stories, visuals, and sounds, some classic series will never get old no matter how much they age. While this article reflects on a few of them based on the author's opinions, there are many more that will always be iconic.
Also read:
- 10 anime characters like Akaza from Demon Slayer
- 10 Naruto characters who would be perfect diplomats, ranked
- 10 anime characters who'd be perfect social media influencers
- 10 best sibling relationships in shonen anime, ranked
