Anime has grown from humble beginnings in the 1960s to a global entertainment juggernaut, captivating audiences with its unique art styles, epic storylines, and diverse genres. Whether you’re an old-school otaku or a newcomer to the medium, here’s a breakdown of the most iconic anime series from each decade, along with the styles and themes that defined their eras.
Stay tuned after that for what is widely considered the #1 anime series of all-time. Alright, let’s dive in!
The 1960s: The Birth of a Phenomenon
#1 Anime of the 1960s: Astro Boy
Created by the legendary Osamu Tezuka, Astro Boy debuted in 1963 and became a game-changer. Its simple yet emotional animation style set the template for serialized TV anime, introducing audiences to futuristic tales and ethical dilemmas. The kid with rocket-powered boots not only flew through the skies but also into the hearts of viewers worldwide.
Runner-up: Speed Racer
If you’ve ever shouted “Go, Speed Racer, Go!” then you know the cultural footprint of Speed Racer. Debuting in 1967, this action-packed racing series introduced Western audiences to the unique visual style and kinetic energy of anime. It laid the groundwork for anime’s future popularity in the U.S.
Defining Themes: The 1960s was all about laying the foundation. Themes of technology, heroism, and post-war optimism ran strong, with animation styles favoring bold, simplistic designs to fit the limited budgets of the time.
The 1970s: Genre Explosion and Mecha Dominance
#1 Anime of the 1980s: Mobile Suit Gundam
This 1979 entry revolutionized anime by shifting from fantastical robot fights to grounded, politically charged war narratives which continued well into the 1980s. Gundam’s “real robot” approach introduced moral ambiguity, with neither side wholly good or evil. It also kick-started an insanely lucrative toy industry.
Runner-up: Lupin III
Lupin III made its stylish debut in 1971, following the charismatic thief Arsène Lupin III and his eclectic gang. Mixing heists with humor and thrilling chases, it became one of the longest-running anime franchises, keeping fans hooked for decades.
Defining Themes: The ’70s was the era of experimentation. Mecha anime flourished, but so did stories of thieves, romance, and fantasy. Shows became more mature, aiming to captivate both kids and adults.
The 1980s: Shonen Superstars and High Fantasy
#1 Anime of the 1980s: Dragon Ball
When you think of anime in the ’80s, Dragon Ball reigns supreme. Goku’s adventures blended martial arts, comedy, and an ever-growing roster of colorful characters. From the Red Ribbon Army to the hunt for the Dragon Balls, it became the quintessential shonen blueprint.
Runner-up: Saint Seiya
Known as Knights of the Zodiac in some regions, Saint Seiya delivered mythological flair with its divine armor battles. While it didn’t dominate the U.S. market, it became a phenomenon in Latin America and parts of Europe, cementing its place as a global hit.
Defining Themes: Bright colors, intense action sequences, and over-the-top character designs defined the ’80s. It was the golden age of shonen anime, where epic battles and heroic journeys took center stage.
The 1990s: Breaking New Ground
#1 Anime of the 1990s: Neon Genesis Evangelion*
Premiering in 1995, Evangelion flipped the mecha genre on its head with its psychological deep-dives, apocalyptic themes, and characters grappling with depression, trauma, and existential dread. It’s no exaggeration to say it redefined anime storytelling.
Runner-up: Sailor Moon
In the name of the moon, I’ll punish you! Sailor Moon became a global sensation with its focus on friendship, empowerment, and love. Its vibrant animation and emotional storytelling introduced many Western fans to anime’s magical girl genre.
Defining Themes: The ’90s was a time of emotional depth and groundbreaking narratives. Anime explored complex themes, mixing action with introspection, and gained traction in the global mainstream.
(*The #1 anime of all-time came from the 1990s, and is still going strong today! Keep reading to find out what it is!)
The 2000s: Global Takeover and Epic Sagas
#1 Anime of the 2000s: Naruto
Launching in 2002, Naruto took the world by storm with its heartfelt story of an outcast striving for recognition. Combining intricate world-building, emotional character arcs, and jaw-dropping action, it solidified itself as a shonen masterpiece.
Runner-up: One Piece
Though it debuted in 1999, One Piece truly thrived in the 2000s. Its unmatched world-building, quirky humor, and high-stakes adventures have made it one of the best-selling and longest-running anime of all time.
Defining Themes: The 2000s embraced digital animation, allowing for more dynamic visuals. Long-running series dominated, with themes of perseverance, friendship, and grand adventures striking a universal chord.
The 2010s: Prestige Anime
#1 Anime of the 2010s: Attack on Titan
Few series have had the cultural impact of Attack on Titan. Its gripping story of humanity fighting for survival, paired with stunning animation and shocking plot twists, made it a defining anime of the decade.
Runner-up: My Hero Academia
My Hero Academia offered a fresh take on superheroes, blending Western comic book influences with classic shonen elements. It struck a chord with younger audiences, becoming a cultural touchstone in its own right.
Defining Themes: The 2010s saw anime become a prestige medium, with high-budget productions and cinematic visuals. Themes of survival, morality, and self-discovery resonated with both casual and hardcore fans.
The 2020s: Modern Masterpieces
#1 Anime of the 2020s (So Far): Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
Demon Slayer redefined success with its breathtaking animation and record-breaking box office. Its universal themes of family, loss, and perseverance have made it a cultural phenomenon.
Runner-up: Jujutsu Kaisen
With its seamless blend of horror, action, and humor, Jujutsu Kaisen quickly became a fan favorite. Its fluid animation and strong character dynamics ensure it remains a powerhouse in modern anime.
Defining Themes: The 2020s highlight polished visuals and global appeal. Supernatural elements and high-stakes action dominate, reflecting anime’s ever-growing popularity with worldwide audiences.
The #1 Anime of All Time is Pokémon
Determining the “number one” anime of all time is subjective and varies based on criteria such as revenue, cultural impact, and fanbase size. However, one series that consistently stands out across these metrics is Pokémon.
Pokémon: A Global Phenomenon
Since its debut in 1996, Pokémon has evolved into a multimedia juggernaut, encompassing video games, trading cards, an animated series, movies, and a vast array of merchandise. Its animated series, which began in 1997, follows the journey of Ash Ketchum and his companion Pikachu as they travel through various regions, capturing and training Pokémon to become the ultimate Pokémon Master.
Why Pokémon Holds the Top Spot
- Unprecedented Revenue: Pokémon is the highest-grossing media franchise globally, with total revenue exceeding $100 billion. This staggering figure includes income from video games, merchandise, trading cards, and the animated series.
- Cultural Impact: The franchise has left an indelible mark on popular culture worldwide. Phrases like “Gotta catch ’em all!” have become part of everyday language, and characters such as Pikachu are recognized universally.
- Longevity and Adaptability: Over two decades, Pokémon has remained relevant by continually introducing new generations of games and anime series, each featuring new creatures, regions, and gameplay mechanics. This adaptability has attracted both new fans and retained long-time enthusiasts.
- Cross-Generational Appeal: The franchise appeals to a broad audience, from children drawn to its colorful creatures and adventures to adults who have grown up with the series and continue to engage with its more complex game mechanics and competitive aspects.
Wrapping It All Up
While personal preferences will always influence debates about the “best” anime, it’s hard to argue against Pokémon‘s dominance in terms of revenue, cultural significance, and enduring popularity. Its ability to reinvent itself while staying true to its core concept has ensured its place at the pinnacle of anime history.
Whether you’re a seasoned trainer or new to the world of Pokémon, there’s no denying the franchise’s monumental impact on the anime industry and global entertainment landscape.
Let’s face it—whether you’ve been catching Pokémon since the days of Red and Blue or just jumped on the Pokémon GO bandwagon, this franchise is a cultural icon. Its unparalleled reach, cross-generational appeal, and adaptability make it the undisputed king of anime. Other series might win in niche fandoms or critical acclaim, but Pokémon dominates the world stage.
Note: The information provided is based on currently available data and may be subject to change as new information emerges.
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