10 anime shows that have the best story

From Attack on Titan to Naruto, the anime world has delivered some of the most enthralling storylines around, so we’ve put together a list of all the anime with the best story.

While animation style and great voice casts are crucial, the best anime are always built on a compelling narrative. Indeed, anime shows have a penchant for keeping you on the edge of your seat with memorable characters, epic journeys, and imaginative worlds.

Gone are the days when franchises such as One Piece and Death Note were seen as mere cartoons. Fans have now started envying the fictional worlds they watch on screen, and the characters that inhabit them; be it their beauty, personalities, or something else entirely.

So, if you’re looking to get lost in a well-told plot, these are the perfect choices for you. Whether short or long, these picks of the anime shows with the best story aren’t just a treat for the eyes but are the peak of storytelling, too.

10. Vinland Saga (2019-present)

Studio MAPPA

Vinland Saga is one of the most beautiful anime in terms of animation style, but it also has a perfect story.

In the beginning, we meet a mischievous kid named Thorfinn. However, the poor kid’s life changes forever when he witnesses his father’s death at the hands of Askeladd, and after that, he develops an entirely different persona. Even though Thorfinn wanted to kill Askeladd, he started working for him and even saw him as a mentor.

This is where we realize the true beauty of Vinland Saga’s narrative. The complexities of relationships add to the richness of the story here, and Thorfinn’s character development is key to this.

9. Monster (2004-2005)

Crunchyroll

Monster is a perfectly binge-worthy anime series for those who admire complicated storylines. To be honest, the anime community can favor shows with more intense action scenes and less drama, however, Monster manages keep you on the edge of your seats even without boasting battle sequences.

The complexities of the characters make it impossible to feel bored even for a second — once you catch up with the enticing narrative, there’s no looking back. Leaving everything aside, Monster also comes with a wicked antagonist who’ll be sure to give you goosebumps. Anime villains as cruel as him are rare, making the plot all the more tantalizing.

8. Naruto (2002-2007)

Crunchyroll

When it comes to good storytelling, Naruto secures a high spot. The plot starts with an orphan named Naruto who is disrespected by the villagers of Konoha. However, instead of avenging the humiliation he faces, he decides to win their love. Naruto is considered one of the most well-written characters; adored for his humor, loyalty, and bravery.

But what makes the story of Naruto so good is that the characters develop over time. The series builds a connection with the characters from their childhood through to adulthood. Naruto also comes with a tragic backstory for every character, including the villains, which makes it easy to love them all. Initially, the story might feel a bit slow for newcomers, but once you build that bond with the characters, you won’t want it to end.

7. One Piece (1999-present)

Toei Animation

One Piece is one of the longest-running animanga franchises, and it holds a massive place in the hearts of fans worldwide. The series revolves around Luffy D Monkey, a boy who has always wanted to become king of the pirates.

Luffy’s mischievous personality and the way he bravely tackles his many enemies are some of the reasons viewers love him, but every supporting character gets their share of screen time, making their roles significant in the story, too.

6. Hunter x Hunter (2011-2014)

Hunter x Hunter seems childish at first, but as the story progresses to the Chimera Ant Arc, we realize how mature and dark the television show actually is. Following Gon Freecss as he tries to find his absent father, the anime features a gritty and psychological vibe that constantly messes with your mind.

An unpredictable storyline and solid character growth make this one unmissable, and will have you switching your allegiance time and time again. For instance, at the start of the Chimera Ant Arc, we wouldn’t blame you for hating the Chimera ants and starting to dislike the humans. However, the story pulls an UNO reverse card in favor of the new species after the first half is over. We can’t wait to see what happens next in Hunter x Hunter Chapter 401 as the story continues.

5. Mob Psycho 100 (2016-2022)

Netflix

Mob Psycho 100 revolves around Mob, a psychic who wants nothing more than a peaceful life. However, the more he runs from the superhero world, the more he gets pulled toward it. The anime urges viewers to realize the importance of the basic things that we often overlook and take for granted, which is a valuable message to carry.

The series can make you fall off your couch with its humorous elements, and at the same time, it can also make you shout because of its darker undertones. Mob Psycho 100 has drawn comparisons to One Punch Man for its dry humor, and it’s easy to see why it’s now regarded as one of the best superhero anime.

4. Classroom of the Elite (2017-2024)

Crunchyroll

Classroom of the Elite is a haunting psychological thriller, to say the least. The series follows Kiyotoka Ayanokouji, who enters the Tokyo Metropolitan Advanced Nurturing School with an unknown mission. He doesn’t bond well with the other students in his class, but as his mysterious motivations are slowly revealed, we are enticed by the story at the core of this anime.

Despite possessing high intellect, he is admitted to Class D, where every below-average student is dumped. Why? And What will Kiyotoka do about it? You’ll have to dive into the story to find out more.

3. Death Note (2006-2007)

Netflix

Death Note’s protagonist, Light Yagami, is definitely more of an antagonist once you get to know him and it’s this conflict that really makes the story stand out. Light accidentally comes across Shinigami’s notebook called Death Note and, learning about its powers, he starts misusing the book and killing bad guys.

This story really forces you to question whether you should support the main character, and what your perception says about your own morality. Moreover, while watching the series, you won’t even notice the lack of intense fight scenes, because the mind games between Light Yagami and L are compelling enough to carry you through.

2. Erased (2016)

Hulu

There are plenty of time-traveling anime projects but only a few match the level of Erased when it comes to a perfect plotline. Erased follows Satoru Fujinuma, who traveled 18 years back in time to prevent his mother’s untimely demise, and stopping his mother’s killer from killing three of his closest friends, too.

Erased swiftly became a sensation upon debuting in 2016 and is very nearly the anime with the best story in our books. The anime is rooted in themes of love, sacrifice, and true friendship, and we guarantee it’ll make you cry. Despite running for a single season with just 12 episodes, Erased left footprints on every viewer’s heart that can never be… erased (sorry, we had to).

1. Attack on Titan (2013-2023)

Crunchyroll

Attack on Titan lasted for around a decade, and it’d be fair to describe it as a masterpiece. The series started as a typical anime, but with time, turned out to be a treasure trove of twists and turns.

The popular series revolves around Eren, who decides to avenge the death of his mother by killing every Titan. His journey introduces us to several complex yet interesting characters like Reiner Braun and Bertholdt Hoover. Besides that, the fighting sequences and the foreshadowing were the icing on the cake.

Initially, the anime came with a post-apocalyptic setting similar to many other series out there. However, as the story progressed, we learned that it’s considerably more unique than we first thought. Even though Hajime Isayama’s Attack on Titan has concluded, its influence will last for years and years.

So, those are the anime with the best story. If you’d like more peak viewing highlights, we have lists of the best anime like Solo Leveling, the best anime on Crunchyroll, and the best anime movies on Netflix.