Amazon Prime Video’s steady stream of new content gives fans some of the best anime available. What’s more, subscribers have even more options since the streamer includes Crunchyroll as an optional premium channel. This move expands Prime Video’s streaming catalog and gives subscribers both platforms’ content in one place.
While it’s not drastically different from subscribing to the services individually, it undoubtedly makes Prime Video’s anime library more well-rounded. Even so, this depth in content might make it difficult for anime newcomers to settle on their next watch. Thankfully, this guide does the hard part by focusing on the best anime on Prime Video right now, including Prime’s native library and the premium Crunchyroll channel.
For those who might be feeling a little overwhelmed but are still intrigued by the genre, we also have worthwhile guides on the best anime on Netflix and the best anime on Hulu to help fans get the most value out of their subscriptions. Also, check out our guides for the best new shows to stream and the best shows on Amazon Prime.
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Solo Leveling (2024)
Solo Leveling is easily one of the most popular action anime at the moment. Based on the South Korean web novel by Chuchong and adapted by animators A-1 Pictures, the story is set in a world where a gateway to powerful monsters threatens humanity, leading to people with special powers taking jobs to clear the dungeons inside.
Sung Jinwoo is branded as the weakest hunter, but when a supposedly low-stakes dungeon run goes south, an action-packed story of intrigue unravels. Solo Leveling has garnered praise within the portal fantasy (or “isekai”) genre, with fans loving the video-game-like setting and action. The animation quality is more than up to the task, and fans are treated to some intrigue between the fights.
Vinland Saga (2019)
8.8/10Whether it’s Makoto Yukimura’s original manga or the anime adaptation, Vinland Saga is one of the best mature stories in either arena. A historical-themed series, the story tells a fictionalized account of Icelandic explorer Thorfinn Karlsefni. From a young, carefree boy to a rageful teenager out for vengeance for his father’s murder, audiences will watch a sprawling yet intimate story of Thorfinn’s growth.
While there are some thrilling Viking action sequences, Vinland Saga flexes its narrative muscles when exploring sobering themes of grief and redemption. It’s the best Viking anime available, and Thorfinn’s journey of introspection going into season 2 is one of the most rewarding in the medium.
Dragon Ball Super: Broly (2018)
The late Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball franchise is as topical as ever. Aside from the latest series Daima, the Dragon Ball Super: Broly anime movie is another recent highlight. The second anime movie from the Dragon Ball Super TV anime, this feature sees the rampaging Saiyan Broly make his canon debut.
The mentally stunted Broly was among the few survivors from the genocide of the Saiyan race, and decades later, the villainous Frieza attempted to weaponize him against Goku and Vegeta. Dragon Ball Super: Broly is a welcome canonization of a fan-favorite character and is full of the explosive and colorful action fans would expect. On top of the wild and super-powered martial arts, fans are also treated to worldbuilding about the downfall of the Saiyans.
Naruto (2002)
For a dose of 2000s shonen anime nostalgia, Naruto still holds up. From studio Pierrot and Masashi Kishimoto’s manga source material, the story opens with a shunned and mischievous boy named Naruto Uzumaki. The young ninja holds lofty ambitions of becoming the Hidden Leaf Village’s leader — the Hokage — but not without the rest of his Team 7 facing shadowy villains and potential nation-ending threats.
Naruto certainly doesn’t revolutionize shonen anime tropes, but it excels with its tried-and-true underdog story. Complete with its stylized ninja action and some fantastical world-building, this is an easy anime to get invested in.
Übel Blatt (2025)
Offering a change of pace from the usual shonen anime content, Übel Blatt is a new dark fantasy anime adaptation. Based on Etorouji Shiono’s seinen manga of the same name, studios Satelight and Saple Entertainment adapt the revenge tale of Koinzell.
He appears to be nothing special — just a half-elf boy — but he’s truly a victim of the supposed Seven Heroes, who turned on their allies to take all the credit for saving the land from a great peril. The Übel Blatt brings a satisfying grim fantasy epic for anime fans wanting something darker. Full of action, drama, and themes of betrayal, the story leans into its over-the-top atmosphere.
Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero (2022)
For Dragon Ball fans wanting more from the franchise after watching Daima, the latest movie will more than satisfy them. Directed by Tetsuro Kodama and animated by longtime studio Toei Animation, Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero puts Goku’s son Gohan in the spotlight, alongside the fan-favorite Namekian Piccolo.
With Goku and Vegeta away from the action, the pair must fend off the revived Red Ribbon Army, the military outfit once defeated by a young Goku. Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero was warmly received, giving Gohan and Piccolo much-deserved protagonist roles and surprisingly good CG animation. The movie is filled with plenty of fan service to please veteran fans, with the Red Ribbon Army creating a plot that celebrates the original Dragon Ball story’s legacy.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba (2019)
One of the biggest modern shonen anime, the adaptation of Koyoharu Gotouge’s Demon Slayer quickly became a sensation in the medium. Ufotable takes the reigns for this series, telling the story of Tanjiro Kamado’s quest to hunt demons across early 1900s Japan. Young Tanjiro sees his family slaughtered at these monsters’ hands barring his sister — who has been transformed into a demon herself.
From there, they journey to fight alongside the Demon Slayer Corps. against these beings’ shadowy leader. Demon Slayer’s plot is far from groundbreaking for the Shonen anime demographic. However, it’s supported by colorful characters and emotional themes. However, the biggest highlight is Ufotable’s masterful art style and animation, delivering visual spectacles in every action sequence.
Dragon Quest: The Adventure of Dai (2020)
Square Enix is known for its iconic Dragon Quest role-playing video game series, and fans have a sprawling anime to enjoy too. Rather than adapting any of the many video games, Dragon Quest: The Adventure of Dai adapts an original manga story by Riku Sanjo and Koji Inada. The story opens with the eponymous Dai, who lives peacefully as the only human on an island of monsters, but he longs for adventure.
However, Dai and co. will be forced to learn the true meaning of being a hero after the revival of a previously deceased evil. Dragon Quest: The Adventure of Dai is the perfect fix for high-fantasy anime fans and those of the classic JRPG series. This story proudly stands among the pantheon of Dragon Quest tales while evoking the adventurous spirit of the games.
Dr. Stone (2019)
Animation studios TMS Entertainment, 8PAN, and Die4Studio have done well adapting the quirky sci-fi series Dr. Stone. Based on Richiro Inagaki and Boichi’s manga of the same name, this story takes audiences 3,700 years into the future after humanity was inexplicably petrified.
Enter protagonist Senku Ishigami, a young science prodigy, who awakens all those years later and aims to rebuild civilization with the friends he meets along the way. Postapocalyptic sci-fi stories are a dime a dozen, but Dr. Stone creates a genuinely clever spin on the subgenre. Between its sense of humor, colorful characters, and surprising reverence for the science behind Senku’s experiments, Dr. Stone is one of the most unique sci-fi shonen in recent years.
Psycho-Pass (2012)
8.2/10An anime-original production from Naoyoshi Shiotani and Katsuyuki Motohiro, Psycho-Pass is an exciting cyberpunk thriller anime. Produced by studio Production I.G, this series opens in a futuristic Japan where the government hunts down people with the potential for criminality using intrusive advanced tech.
The Enforcers capture their targets, and the Inspectors rein them in. While subsequent seasons can’t match the gold standard set by season 1, Psycho-Pass is an overall captivating sci-fi thriller. Its blend of psychological and crime-drama elements, as well as social commentary, will satisfy fans looking for an atmosphere akin to Ghost in the Shell.
Great Teacher Onizuka (1999)
8.5/10For a more slice-of-life but comedic change of pace, Great Teacher Onizuka is an excellent choice. Adapted from Tooru Fujisawa’s manga of the same name, this anime series tells the story of delinquent 22-year-old Eikichi Onizuka as he goes from former biker gang member to teacher.
While his initial motives for teaching at Holy Forest Academy might be morally reprehensible, his ambitions are tested when he’s responsible for a host of troubled students. Great Teacher Onizuka is one of the best anime of the late 1990s and early 2000s. It’s well-received for its unapologetically raunchy and satirical comedy. Aside from its humor, GTO isn’t afraid to tackle real-world social issues young people face, injecting some sincerity amid the gags.
Look Back (2024)
Adapted from Chainsaw Man creator Tatsuki Fujimoto’s one-shot manga, Look Back is perhaps the best anime film of 2024. The team at Studio DURIAN helms this feature production, telling the story of young Ayumu Fujino, a talented artist aspiring to create manga.
Influenced by the skills of fellow artist Kyomoto, the two develop a bond and eventual partnership as they develop their careers. Look Back is a beautiful animated feature that makes poignant commentary on the industry. Through this emotional and character-driven story, the movie illustrates how punishing and unforgiving being a mangaka can be.
Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms (2018)
Director Mari Okada’s Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms is a refreshing anime-original story. Animated by P. A. Works, the movie takes audiences to a fantasy world where the kingdom Mezarte plunders the homeland of the mystical Iorph.
These beings can live for hundreds of years, with the plot following the Iorph Maquia as she escapes the horrors of war and raises a newborn human as her son. Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms features an imaginative and original fantasy universe. More than that, the movie is praised for its grounded themes of wartime struggle and motherhood.
Speed Racer (1967)
For those who are nostalgically inclined, the classic Speed Racer series is still a fun watch today. Animated by Tatsunoko Production, this adaptation of Tatsuo Yoshida’s manga tells the story of an aspiring racing star named Gou Mifune. Despite his father urging Gou to stay away from the tracks, the teenager strives to be the world’s greatest race car driver.
Speed Racer certainly shows its age, but that’s expected of an anime from the 1960s. Regardless, the original anime adaptation has a delightful, campy charm. With the help of a colorful cast of supporting characters, Speed Racer is a landmark of the medium.
Dragon Ball DAIMA (2024)
Between the video game Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero and the ongoing Dragon Ball Daima anime, fans of the classic franchise are well served. Daima is the last piece of Dragon Ball content the late Akira Toriyama created before his passing, taking Goku and co. on a whimsical adventure.
After a strange conspiracy turns Goku and his friends into childlike forms, they travel to the Demon Realm to discover the cause. The revered Toriyama’s work is beloved for its imaginative world-building. So far, Dragon Ball Daima has been living up to that reputation, presenting a charming premise with Toei’s smooth animation.
Dan Da Dan (2024)
Science Saru’s adaptation of Dan Da Dan by Yukinobu Tatsu is easily one of the best anime of the fall 2024 season. This strange story begins with teenager Momo Ayase rescuing classmate Ken Takakura from a group of bullies.
The two end up in a heated debate about whether ghosts or aliens are real. Not only are they both right, but Momo and Ken will get roped into a string of supernatural incidents. Sci-fi, the occult, and a dash of coming-of-age romance all in one, Dan Da Dan is the most imaginative anime adaptation of the year. The art direction and animation are visually striking, and its zany premise won’t even give fans a chance to be bored.
Mobile Suit Gundam SEED (2002)
Mobile Suit Gundam SEED is another highlight from the mech franchise. Animated by Sunrise, this installment depicts a full-scale war between two subspecies of humans. The Naturals (unaltered humans) clash against the Coordinators (genetically altered humans living in space colonies), with young Coordinator Kira Yamato being swept into the conflict when a third party invades his home to steal Mobile Suits.
Mobile Suit Gundam SEED is one of the most successful anime series from the franchise, praised for its drama, mech action sequences, and political intrigue. Gundam is known for its impressive sci-fi world-building and operatic storytelling, and SEED achieves this without alienating new fans.
Dragon Ball Super (2015)
With the addition of Crunchyroll as an optional add-on to Prime Video, Dragon Ball fans have even more content in one place. For the uninitiated (or simply the nostalgic), audiences can watch Dragon Ball Super, the long-awaited sequel series to DBZ.
Set after the events of DBZ’s Buu Saga, Goku finds his quiet life interrupted when Beerus, the God of Destruction, awakens to find the powerful opponent prophesized to defeat him. While it’s hard to top the legacy and novelty of DBZ, Dragon Ball Super has all the action and over-the-top storytelling fans would want. From high-octane tournaments to even more elaborate power-ups, Dragon Ball Super is endlessly entertaining.
MEGALOBOX (2018)
There are plenty of grounded sports anime, but for fans wanting a larger-than-life twist, Megalobox is a great choice. Animated by TMS Entertainment, Megalobox takes place in late 21st-century Japan when professional athletes wear mechanized exoskeletons to box.
The plot focuses on a scrappy underground boxer known as Junk Dog, who rises through the ranks to win the prestigious Megalonia tournament and take down its reigning champion. Megalobox is the perfect mix of engrossing character drama and visceral boxing action. Even with the exciting sci-fi backdrop, Megalobox tells an investing underdog-themed story that fans of more realistic boxing anime like Hajime no Ippo and Ashita no Joe can appreciate.
Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection 'F' (2015)
The Dragon Ball franchise’s 19th movie and the first in the main canon, Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection ‘F’ is an exciting return for the anime series. Produced by Toei Animation, the movie sees the return of iconic DBZ villain Frieza, who’s exact revenge on Son Goku and company for defeating him.
Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection ‘F’ is a worthy sequel to the DBZ manga and TV anime adaptation. The story doesn’t accomplish anything groundbreaking, but Resurrection ‘F’ feels like a warm return for these classic characters. It acts as a bridge to the Super sequel series and packs all the fast-paced fights and nostalgia fans will want.
Trigun: Badlands Rumble (2011)
Yasuhiro Nightow’s Trigun is a 1990s sci-fi classic. While the recent CG reboot was surprisingly creative, Trigun: Badlands Rumble is perfect for fans who want more of the original anime adaptation’s continuity. Directed by Satoshi Nishimura and produced by Madhouse, this movie follows a side story between episodes of the 1998 show.
The franchise’s lead outlaw, Vash “the Stampede,” finds himself in a city where bounty hunters are tracking a wanted robber named Gasback, who has a past connection to Vash. Trigun: Badlands Rumble is an excellent example of an anime-original story that does justice to the manga source material. The new characters and story feel faithful to Nightow’s intended sci-fi-Western tone, now backed by Madhouse’s more modern animation.
Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans (2015)
While Mobile Suit Gundam can seem difficult to dive into, it has plenty of great standalone shows. Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans is one such installment, revolving around a group of juvenile soldiers who establish their own militaristic security company.
The young fighters use their Mobile Suits to fight on behalf of their contractors, raging against the adult leaders who exploited and betrayed them. Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans is one of the most beloved entries in the franchise thanks to its gritty sci-fi action and engrossing drama. Packed with political intrigue and branching storylines, this series makes some biting social commentary on real-life crises like slavery, children of war, and rampant political corruption.
Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury (2022)
For thrilling robot-themed action, anime fans should check out the iconic Mobile Suit Gundam series. The Witch from Mercury is a recent TV installment animated by longtime studio Sunrise, and it’s set in a future where intergalactic corporations run the world.
The Benerit Group dominates the mobile suit industry, and the plot focuses on young Suletta Mercury, a girl who transfers to a technology academy owned by the conglomerate. Complete with complex political machinations, character drama, and mech-on-mech combat, Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury is a must-watch for sci-fi anime fans. It contains all the tropes fans have come to love while remaining accessible to the uninitiated viewer.
Dragon Ball (1986)
Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball franchise is best known for the sequel Dragon Ball Z, but the original series is still worth watching in 2024. Animated by Toei Animation, Dragon Ball chronicles the colorful exploits of Son Goku, a shockingly powerful young boy with a monkey tail and a mysterious past.
Along with his companion, Bulma, they clash with many villains on their way to finding the seven wish-granting Dragon Balls. Dragon Ball is a landmark in the manga and anime mediums. Toriyama’s whimsical worldbuilding still shines through, complemented by martial arts-themed action, comedy, and a mix of sci-fi and fantasy.
Kingdom (2012)
Fans of mature, historical dramas owe it to themselves to watch the anime adaptation of Yasuhisa Hara’s Kingdom. With five seasons currently released and animated by studios including Pierrot and Signpost, the story is set during a fictionalized take on China’s Warring States era.
It follows a young orphan named Xin as he aims to become the land’s elite general and unify China. Kingdom is one of the most acclaimed seinen manga thanks to its epic-scale conflicts and character drama. The anime adaptation has only improved with each season in terms of its art direction and animation quality, and the plot will suit fans of other historical anime/manga like Vinland Saga and Vagabond.
Slam Dunk (1993)
For fans wanting to delve into classic sports anime, Slam Dunk is an easy recommendation. Animated by Toei Animation and adapted from Takehiko Inoue’s manga, the story focuses on a basketball team from Shōhoku High School.
Hanamichi Sakuragi, an immature and ill-tempered freshman, develops a productive passion for basketball as the team grows into a nationwide contender. Slam Dunk is among the most widely acclaimed sports manga thanks to its grounded cast and mix of humor and exciting sports drama. Like any quality sports anime, it’s compelling to basketball fans and non-fans alike, and it’s one of the best shounen series — sports-theme or otherwise.
Tonbo! (2024)
Sports anime is an increasingly popular niche in the medium, with Tonbo! using golf as its backdrop. Based on Ken Kawasaki and Yu Furusawa’s manga of the same name, the plot focuses on the journey of a young girl named Tonbo Ooi.
After former pro golfer Kazuyoshi Igarashi looks to move on by taking a job at an island’s development center, he’s amazed by the girl’s incredible talent and rediscovers passion for the sport. Animated by OLM, Tonbo! is well-received for how it uses golf for its story, but more impressive is how character-driven it is. The sport is a great vehicle for the co-leads to grow past their respective life struggles.
Ghost in the Shell (1995)
The cyberpunk subgenre is known for moody, neon-lit atmospheres, and Ghost in the Shell is one of its best representatives. Directed by Mamoru Oshii and animated by Production I.G, the movie is set in Japan in 2029, as cyborg public-security agent Motoko Kusanagi and her team hunt an elusive threat.
The agency is tracking a hacker dubbed the “Puppet Master” who strips victims of their memories. Ghost in the Shell is one of the most important anime in the medium’s history. Manga creator Masamune Shirow’s story takes aesthetic and thematic cues from Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner, exploring concepts like the sense of self and the ethical dilemmas that arise in an aggressively technological world.
InuYasha (2000)
Rumiko Takhashi’s Inuyasha was a manga classic of the 1990s, and its anime adaptation did it justice in the 2000s. Animation studio Sunrise is behind the anime series, telling the story of 15-year-old Kagome Higurashi and time-traveling exploits to Sengoku-era Japan.
She meets the half-dog, half-demon Inuyasha, teaming up to prevent the fragments of a powerful jewel from being used for nefarious purposes. Inuyasha is an anime classic and remains one of the best shonen adventure series in the medium. The series earned praise for its entertaining mix of action, adventure, Japanese fantasy, and romance elements.
Ghost Stories (2000)
Based on a series of Japanese children’s novels by Tôru Tsunemitsu, Ghost Stories combines supernatural horror with dark humor. Pierrot produced the anime adaptation, telling the story of Satsuki Miyanoshita, a schoolgirl who moves to her late mother’s hometown but is roped into paranormal adventures.
Along with her band of ghost-hunting classmates, Satsuki tries to expel the spirits of a haunted school building. Ghost Stories received a positive reception, but the series’ Japanese and English dubs notably vary. The original version played out like a more conventional horror story, while the English dub was particularly praised for complementing the scares with witty dark comedy.
Frieren: Beyond Journey's End (2023)
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, alongside other adaptations like Delicious in Dungeon, shows high fantasy excels in anime. Based on Kanehito Yamada and Tsukasa Abe’s manga series, Frieren follows the quest of the eponymous elven mage. Generations after Frieren’s heroic companions defeat the Demon King, she takes in a new apprentice and seeks to fulfill her late friends’ requests.
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is acclaimed for its soothing and vibrant fantasy world. It also bucks the trend of heroes banding together to defeat a world-ending threat. Instead, Frieren opts for a quieter but no less emotional approach, portraying a main character struggling to face mortality.
Dragon Ball Z (1989)
The late Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball Z is still the most popular of the blockbuster franchise. The sequel series is set five years after Son Goku’s win at the World Martial Arts tournament, with the protagonist now living quietly with his wife Chi-Chi and son Gohan.
But when the Saiyan villain Raditz arrives on Earth, Goku’s origins are revealed and his life takes a sudden action-packed turn. Dragon Ball Z is an anime phenomenon that’s persevered decades later thanks to its iconic characters and over-the-top action. The anime consistently expands its world with grander conflicts each arc, flashy power systems, and imaginative villains.
Pokémon (1997)
The segmentation of the Pokémon TV anime across streaming platforms is admittedly convoluted. Still, fans can enjoy Ash Ketchum’s classic adventures on Prime Video, specifically from Gold and Silver. Following Ash and Misty’s adventures in the Orange Islands, they rejoin Brock to explore the Johto region.
Pokémon the Series: Gold and Silver takes cues from the acclaimed Game Boy Color video games while telling its own charming story. The “monster-of-the-week” formula is still well in effect, but it’s perfect for the now-nostalgic atmosphere. Even with the familiar cartoon tropes, Pokémon the Series: Gold and Silver still features touching character development between Ash and his friends — Pokémon included.
My Hero Academia (2016)
Kohei Horikoshi’s My Hero Academia has taken the anime scene by storm since the adaptation began in 2016. Produced by studio Bones, the story is about Izuku Midoriya, a teenager desperate to become a hero in the vein of his idol, All Might. My Hero Academia is set in a world where most of humanity is born with a super-powered “Quirk,” and despite Izuku being born without one, he enrolls in a prestigious hero academy.
The series has proven to be one of the most lucrative and popular shounen manga and anime series currently airing. It’s not without the tropes fans would expect from such a story, but it depicts a colorful world that puts an entertaining spin on the superhero genre.
Blade of the Immortal (2019)
7.4/10Blade of the Immortal‘s second anime adaptation is exclusive to Amazon Prime Video. Set during feudal-era Japan, the plot revolves around the eponymous cursed samurai Manji. To repent for the 100-plus samurai he murdered, Manji must kill 1,000 evil men to break the curse and regain his humanity.
Blade of the Immortal is among the best seinen manga, and Liden Films’ adaptation is a solid effort that surpasses the 2008 anime. It does an admirable job of making an excellent yet straightforward revenge epic stylized and interesting in motion. Manji’s wisecracking personality and the dark atmosphere make this a worthwhile watch.
Kaiju No. 8 (2024)
The adaptation of Naoya Matsumoto’s Kaiju No. 8 is one of the biggest shounen anime of 2024. Animated by studio Production I.G, the series tells the story of Kafka Hibino, a clean-up crew worker in the aftermath of monster attacks, who gets far more than a promotion to the elite Defense Force.
Falling behind his childhood friend Mina Ashiro, now a captain of the Defense Force’s Third Division, Kafka gets a monstrous transformation ability after ingesting a kaiju. Kaiju No. 8 is shaping up to be one of the best ongoing anime of the season, backed by over-the-top action and its clever premise. Production I.G’s animation work is typically top-notch as well.
Hell's Paradise (2023)
The adaptation of Yuji Kaku’s Hell’s Paradise is a promising new anime series from studio MAPPA. It focuses on the story of Gabimaru, a terrifyingly efficient assassin who’s given the chance to earn his freedom and avoid execution.
He’s ordered to partner with his would-be executioner Sagiri to retrieve the fabled Elixir of Life from a dangerous and supernatural island. Hell’s Paradise has the potential to be one of the most exciting ongoing anime, complemented by visceral action and its inventive Edo-era Japanese setting. The historical backdrop contrasts well with its striking dark-fantasy elements.
Yu Yu Hakusho (1992)
From the mind of Hunter x Hunter creator Yoshihiro Togashi, Yu Yu Hakusho was his breakout hit. Animated by studio Pierrot, the series follows the adventures of Yusuke Urameshi, a teenager who’s revived as a Spirit Detective after sacrificing himself to protect a child in a car accident.
With this second lease on life, Yusuke is joined by Kuwabara, Kurama, and Hiei on a string of supernatural and martial arts-themed exploits. Yu Yu Hakusho is a satisfying shounen story for all ages thanks to its combination of action, storytelling, and entertaining supernatural atmosphere. It earns its 100-plus-episode runtime, balancing comedy and a sincere cast despite its larger-than-life premise.
Attack on Titan (2013)
When the adaptation premiered in 2013, Attack on Titan became a mainstream anime sensation. WIT Studio adapted the first three seasons of writer/illustrator Hajime Isayama’s manga, while the anime studio MAPPA took over for the drawn-out fourth season. The story is set in a bleak fantasy world inspired by European aesthetics where humanity is forced to live in a walled-in city-state to defend itself from the violent and grotesque Titans that roam outside.
What follows is upstart soldier Eren Yeager’s quest to destroy all Titans to avenge his slaughtered family, but far more sinister forces dwell under the surface of this premise. While the release structure of its “final season” was clunky, Attack on Titan proved to be a consistently compelling fantasy saga packed with intrigue. It had an appeal somewhat similar to Game of Thrones in that it was set in a ruthless, unforgiving dark fantasy world with tense action set pieces, complex political dynamics, impressive worldbuilding, and a tantalizing mystery at the story’s core.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2009)
While the first anime adaptation was solid in its own right even though it eventually diverted from the original story, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is the definitive version in terms of sticking to the source material. Animated by the creative team at Bones — who also produced the first anime adaptation — Brotherhood follows Hiromu Arakawa’s manga faithfully. It’s set in an Industrial era-inspired dark fantasy world where alchemist brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric set out on a quest to find the fabled Philosopher’s Stone.
The duo are desperate to use it to restore their bodies after a grisly attempt to resurrect their mother. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is one of the most widely acclaimed manga and anime of the 21st century, lauded for its detailed worldbuilding, creative use of fantasy elements, and immensely rewarding character arcs.
Samurai Champloo (2004)
Samurai Champloo is another uniquely stylish and resonating anime from beloved Cowboy Bebop director Shinichiro Watanabe. Animated by studio Manglobe, the series is set in a fictionalized Edo-era Japan as the rival ronin Jin and Mugen are saved from execution by a former teahouse waitress named Fuu and are now indebted to help her find the elusive “samurai who smells of sunflowers.”
Similar to Cowboy Bebop, Samurai Champloo was widely praised for its slick animation, thrilling action sequences, inventive use of music, and poignant social commentary. It might not carry quite the same revered weight as Watanabe’s earlier series, but Champloo is more than deserving of its acclaim as one of the best anime of the 2000s.
Cowboy Bebop (1998)
Arguably one of the most important anime series in the history of the genre, Cowboy Bebop is a timeless sci-fi story. Set in 2071, the series follows the exploits of an unlikely bounty hunting crew in a world where corporate greed has devastated Earth and forced most of humanity to colonize space — only to continue making the same mistakes.
Complemented by a fantastic acid-jazz soundtrack that influences the animation and art direction, Cowboy Bebop features a unique cast of characters with compelling backstories and character arcs. This series’ episodic story and core plot blend the sci-fi and neon-noir genres and are anchored by thoughtful themes of the human condition.
One Piece (1999)
Thanks to the addition of the Crunchyroll channel, anime fans now have access to the flagship One Piece anime series in addition to the spin-off movies. Eiichiro Oda’s One Piece is a shounen manga and anime phenomenon that’s going strong decades later, with the series being a consistently entertaining experience.
Animated by Toei Animation, the show opens with young Monkey D. Luffy as he embarks on a grand quest to follow in the footsteps of his role model, Red-Haired Shanks, to become a world-class pirate — and discover the immense treasure that renowned pirate Gol D. Roger, left behind before being executed. What follows is a vibrant swashbuckling saga filled with colorful casts of heroes, villains, and everything in between.
Haikyu!! (2014)
Though it’s not the most common subgenre of anime, sports series have an impressive catalog of shows to watch. The likes of Slam Dunk and Hajime no Ippo are regarded as classics, but Haikyu!! has established itself as the go-to modern sports anime.
Animated by Production I.G, Haikyu!! puts a slice-of-life spin on volleyball, as it follows the journeys of high schooler Shoyo Hinata as he attempts to become an elite player despite being outclassed by his contemporaries in height. Alongside a diverse supporting cast, heartfelt character arcs, stylish art direction, and slick animation work, Haikyu!! makes this an incredibly investing watch and easy to root for these young athletes.
Jujutsu Kaisen (2020)
Writer Gege Akutami’s Jujustu Kaisen manga is one of the biggest modern shounen sensations, and that acclaim has translated into the anime adaptation. Produced by famed studio MAPPA, this series sees high schooler Yuji Itadori enrolled in Tokyo Jujutsu High, where he’s trained and guided by some of Japan’s greatest sorcerers in combatting the otherworldly Cursed Spirits rampant throughout the country.
Bolstered by an engaging main and supporting cast of characters, stylish art design, and exhilarating animation, Jujutsu Kaisen is an exciting dark urban fantasy and martial art anime. It’s undoubtedly one of the biggest additions to the service now that anime fans on Amazon Prime Video can access it through the added Crunchyroll channel.
Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead (2023)
One of the more under-the-radar anime hits this year, writer Haro Aso and artist Kotaro Takata’s Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead takes its comedic spin on the apocalypse to the anime space. Animated by studio Bug Films, the story has a brutally overworked 24-year-old named Akira Tendo crushed under the weight of his corrupt corporate superiors.
However, a sudden zombie breakout brings Japan’s society to its knees, and Akira couldn’t be more relieved. Now with a newfound sense of purpose and freedom, he sets off on a mission to fulfill all the things on his bucket list that his oppressive corporate lifestyle prevented. Mixing vibrant visuals with surprisingly clever social commentary on unbalanced world-life culture, Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead is a comically refreshing way to subvert zombie-themed tropes.
SPY x FAMILY (2022)
One of the best contemporary anime to watch on Amazon Prime Video through the Crunchyroll premium channel is Spy x Family. An animation co-effort by Wit Studio and CloverWorks, this adaptation of Tatsuya Endo’s manga of the same name has become a charming modern sensation.
A Spy going under the codename “Twilight” embarks on a high-stakes mission to maintain peace between two fragile nations, requiring him to take on the alias Loid Forger as part of a fabricated family. Little do they know, each of the family members has something to hide, from Yor’s assassin background and Anya’s telepathic powers. Combining ’60s and modern aesthetics, Spy x Family is a delightful spy-thiller and feel-good comedy hybrid.
