The Definitive Top 50 Anime & Comic Books of All Time

Anime and comics have shaped global pop culture, inspiring blockbuster movies, fashion, gaming, and even politics. These mediums push artistic boundaries and tell stories that are emotional, thrilling, and unforgettable.

Here’s our ultimate Top 50 — the essential anime and comic books every fan should experience at least once.

🏆 Top 50 Countdown

50. Infinity Gauntlet (1991)

Jim Starlin’s Marvel event that inspired Avengers: Infinity War. The original story is deeper, exploring Thanos’ obsession with death rather than simple conquest.

49. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba (2019–present)

With record-breaking box office success in Japan, Demon Slayer combines stunning animation with heartfelt storytelling about family and sacrifice.

48. The Walking Dead (2003–2019)

Robert Kirkman’s zombie saga is less about monsters and more about humanity’s choices when civilization collapses.

47. Spirited Away (2001)

Hayao Miyazaki’s masterpiece that won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature — a magical coming-of-age story that blends folklore with universal themes.

46. One Piece (1997–present)

Eiichiro Oda’s pirate epic has become the longest-running and best-selling manga ever. It’s beloved for its worldbuilding and emotional storytelling.

45. Persepolis (2000)

Marjane Satrapi’s autobiographical graphic novel about growing up during and after the Iranian Revolution — raw, personal, and powerful.

44. Bleach (2001–2016)

Tite Kubo’s action-heavy shonen became a worldwide hit, thanks to stylish character designs and big battles.

43. Fables (2002–2015)

Bill Willingham’s clever reimagining of fairy-tale characters living in exile in modern-day New York City.

42. Steins;Gate (2011)

A gripping anime about time travel that slowly builds into one of the most emotionally rewarding sci-fi stories ever told.

41. Fun Home (2006)

Alison Bechdel’s graphic memoir about family, identity, and sexuality — one of the most acclaimed works of literary comics.

40. X-Men: The Dark Phoenix Saga (1980)

Jean Grey’s transformation into the Dark Phoenix remains one of the most influential superhero arcs ever written.

39. Attack on Titan (2013–2023)

From simple monster-hunting beginnings to a politically charged epic, Attack on Titan is one of anime’s most ambitious works.

38. Sandman (1989–1996)

Neil Gaiman’s masterpiece, blending mythology, literature, and fantasy in a way that redefined what comics could be.

37. Naruto / Naruto: Shippuden (1999–2014)

Naruto’s journey from underdog to hero is one of anime’s most beloved coming-of-age sagas.

36. Saga (2012–present)

Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples created a modern classic with this space-fantasy about love, war, and family.

35. Ghost in the Shell (1995)

Philosophical cyberpunk at its finest. It asks: what makes us human in a world where minds can be digitized?

34. Y: The Last Man (2002–2008)

A brilliant “what if” story: every male mammal dies suddenly, except one man and his monkey. Both thrilling and socially sharp.

33. Berserk (1989–2021)

Kentaro Miura’s magnum opus, a brutal but beautiful dark fantasy with some of the most detailed artwork in manga history.

32. My Hero Academia (2014–present)

A love letter to superhero comics, but with anime’s heart and emotional weight. Deku’s journey resonates with fans worldwide.

31. V for Vendetta (1982–1989)

Alan Moore and David Lloyd’s dystopian vision — its Guy Fawkes mask became a symbol of real-world protest movements.

30. Akira (1988)

The anime film that introduced the world to Japanese animation. Its visuals and energy still feel futuristic today.

29. Batman: Year One (1987)

Frank Miller’s gritty retelling of Batman’s origin — still the definitive “early days” story for the Dark Knight.

28. Dragon Ball Z (1989–1996)

A generation-defining anime that inspired countless shonen. Its battles and transformations remain iconic.

27. FMA: Brotherhood (2009–2010)

A perfectly structured story of loss, sacrifice, and redemption, cementing itself as one of anime’s greatest achievements.

26. Maus (1980–1991)

Art Spiegelman’s Pulitzer-winning graphic novel, chronicling his father’s Holocaust survival story.

25. Cowboy Bebop (1998)

Cool, stylish, and bittersweet. Every anime fan knows: “See you, space cowboy…”

24. Infinity Gauntlet (1991)

The Marvel event that redefined cosmic storytelling, with Thanos at his most complex.

23. Studio Ghibli Collection (Princess Mononoke, Howl’s Moving Castle, etc.)

No single title could represent Ghibli’s genius — its catalogue is collectively among the best storytelling in any medium.

22. Death Note (2006–2007)

An electrifying game of wits between Light and L — one of anime’s best psychological thrillers.

21. The Dark Knight Returns (1986)

Frank Miller redefined Batman for a darker age. Without this comic, modern superhero films wouldn’t exist in the same way.

20. One Punch Man (2012–present)

A satire of superheroes that became a phenomenon, mixing comedy, philosophy, and spectacular action.

19. Your Name (2016)

Makoto Shinkai’s anime film that broke records worldwide, combining romance, fantasy, and breathtaking visuals.

18. Alan Moore’s Swamp Thing (1984–1987)

A reinvention that turned Swamp Thing into a vehicle for ecological, horror, and philosophical themes.

17. Neon Genesis Evangelion (1995–1996)

Not just a mecha series — a groundbreaking exploration of depression, trauma, and existential dread.

16. Hellboy (1993–present)

Mike Mignola’s art and folklore-inspired stories gave us one of comics’ most enduring supernatural heroes.

15. Chainsaw Man (2018–present)

Chaotic, bloody, and emotional, this manga is redefining what modern shonen can look like.

14. Planetary (1999–2009)

Warren Ellis’ love letter to pop culture, uncovering hidden histories of superheroes, pulp heroes, and science fiction.

13. Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1982–1994 manga, 1984 film)

Both manga and film are masterpieces of environmental storytelling from Hayao Miyazaki.

12. The Killing Joke (1988)

Alan Moore’s chilling Joker story that explores the fine line between sanity and madness.

11. Monster (2004–2005)

Naoki Urasawa’s thriller about morality, obsession, and a serial killer — one of anime’s finest mature stories.

10. The Watchmen (1986–1987)

Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons’ deconstruction of superheroes — a landmark in comics history.

9. Princess Mononoke (1997)

A mythic, ecological anime epic. Miyazaki at his most mature and ambitious.

8. Spider-Man: The Night Gwen Stacy Died (1973)

This heartbreaking story changed superhero comics forever, showing that actions have lasting consequences.

7. Tokyo Ghoul (2011–2018)

A dark, emotional manga about identity, hunger, and humanity’s cruelty, blending horror with tragedy.

6. The Sandman (1989–1996)

Neil Gaiman’s mythic saga — comics at their most literary and imaginative.

5. Spirited Away (2001)

Ghibli’s crown jewel — magical, surreal, and emotional.

4. Akira (Manga, 1982–1990)

Even more expansive than the film, Otomo’s manga is one of the most visually stunning works in comics history.

3. Batman: The Long Halloween (1996–1997)

Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale’s noir masterpiece — one of the best Batman (and crime) stories ever told.

2. Berserk (1989–2021)

The dark fantasy epic that blends tragedy, horror, and hope, with some of the greatest artwork ever created.

1. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2009–2010)

Perfect pacing, unforgettable characters, and a story that balances hope, despair, and sacrifice — this is anime storytelling at its peak.

✨ Final Thoughts

This Top 50 combines both anime and comics because, at their best, they serve the same purpose: transporting us into worlds we’ll never forget. Whether it’s the gritty pages of Watchmen, the heartbreaking beauty of Berserk, or the magical realms of Studio Ghibli, these works prove that anime and comics are not just entertainment — they’re art.