Anime as a genre has a diehard following that includes fans from all over the globe. Anime is known for its distinct visual style, engaging and relatable characters, and fearless storytelling. The market for it has grown exponentially in recent years, mirroring the success of juggernauts like the U.S. music industry. And, with the rise of streaming services, it’s become more accessible than ever.
Loyal fans, both young and old, have nearly endless possibilities to choose from. Fortunately, there’s always new anime to watch. In fact, the industry seems to be thriving. 2024 is shaping up to be a huge year for anime, with plenty of new seasons, series, and movies planned for release.
There are some series, however, that have remained fan favorites even years later. These are the shows that are still actively discussed in fandom circles, with some even continuing to this day. These notable anime series have received both fantastic ratings and rave reviews over the years. Many, for better or worse, have garnered their own live-action reboots. So, whether one is a long-time fanatic or a newbie just wanting to get your feet wet, here are some of the most popular anime series ever made.
Updated Jan. 4th, 2025 by Soniya Hinduja: This collection of the most popular anime series ever made has been updated with additional information, including where to find each anime on streaming.
30
Dan Da Dan (2024 – Present)
Dandadan
- Release Date
-
September 13, 2024
- Cast
-
Natsuki Hanae
, Shion Wakayama
, Nana Mizuki
, Ayane Sakura
, Kaito Ishikawa
, Mayumi Tanaka
, Kazuya Nakai
, Kaori Maeda
, Miyu Tomita
, Ryûnosuke Watanuki
, Hikaru Tanaka
, Seitaro Taniguchi
, Satomi Kobashi
, Mayuko Kazama
, Ryuuzaburou Ootomo - Seasons
-
1
Even though it only recently arrived on streaming services like Netflix and Hulu, Dan Da Dan has quickly cemented its status as one of the most popular anime of all time. It follows the thrilling adventures of Momo Ayase, a high school girl who staunchly believes in ghosts but dismisses the existence of aliens. On the other hand, her classmate, Ken “Okuran” Takakura, has the exact opposite belief. After a heated debate, the duo team up and have supernatural encounters and bizarre battles.
Supernatural Comedy With a Twist
A visually stunning and narratively ambitious anime series, Dan Da Dan stands out for its brilliant fusion of supernatural themes and comedic elements. It features a parade of jaw-dropping action sequences that showcase the potential of the medium. But beneath the surface-level thrills, it also packs the story of Momo and Okarun’s evolving friendship and their growing attraction towards each other, which adds to the overall appeal.
29
Mushi-Shi (2005 – 2014)
Mushi-Shi
- Release Date
-
October 23, 2005
- Cast
-
Yûto Nakano
, travis willingham
, Kôjun Itô
, Jennifer Seman
, Mika Doi
, Hiroshi Shimozaki
, Ryō Naitō
, Brina Palencia - Seasons
-
2
Based on the manga of the same name written and illustrated by Yuki Urushibara, Mushi-Shi is an enchanting anime set in a world where the fascinating “Mushi” coexist alongside the natural order. We follow Ginko, a uniquely gifted “Mushi Master” who dedicates himself to unraveling the secret of these elusive entities, and so he roams the countryside encountering and investigating the mysterious creatures that are neither good nor evil.
A Subtle and Lyrical Masterpiece
Mushi-Shi is a true marvel of the anime medium because it crafts a story that is both stunning and contemplative. It’s a sharp contrast to the more action-oriented series because it offers a serene and meditative viewing experience with its richly imagined worlds, hauntingly beautiful soundtrack, and immersive atmosphere. Ginko is an empathetic protagonist whose wisdom makes the anime a masterpiece.
28
Vinland Saga (2019 – 2023)
Vinland Saga
- Release Date
-
July 6, 2019
- Cast
-
Yûto Uemura
, Mike Haimoto
, Shinya Takahashi
, Alejandro Saab
, Hiroki Gotô
, Aleks Le
, Kaiji Tang
, Michael C. Pizzuto - Seasons
-
2
Vinland Saga is a historical action anime set during the Viking era. It follows the brutal and unforgiving journey of a young man named Thorfinn, who witnessed the murder of his father by the mercenary leader Askeladd and gets caught up in a web of vengeance and bloodshed. Pledging to avenge his father’s death by any means necessary, he travels from the battlefields of England to the harsh landscapes of the North.
Historical Epic Elevated by Splendid Visuals
The anime begins with a promise to take the protagonist to a true warrior’s paradise, Vinland, and wraps a genuinely visceral story around it. Visually stunning and filled with pulse-pounding action, the series also features profound character development. The animation, by WIT Studio, captures the harshness of the Viking world and injects a weighty emotional resonance that elevates the plot. Overall, Vinland Saga offers an immersive experience and that’s what makes it so popular.
27
Berserk (1997 – 1998)
Berserk
- Release Date
-
October 7, 1997
- Cast
-
Marc Diraison
, Kevin T. Collins
, Carrie Keranen
, Michelle Newman
, Christopher Kromer
, Jeff Ward
, Mark Sebastian
, J
, David Brimmer
, Sean Schemmel - Seasons
-
1
Set in a world shrouded in darkness, Berserk follows the harrowing story of a lone mercenary named Guts, whose tragic past haunts him day and night. After a chance encounter, he joins the Band of the Hawk, led by the ambitious Griffith, and finds camaraderie and purpose. However, when Griffith’s ambitions get out of hand, Guts faces cruelty and betrayal and is forced to confront the very demons that pull him down.
A Harrowing but Unforgettable Experience
Berserk is a powerful exploration of human suffering and the dark consequences of unchecked ambition. Known for its grim storytelling, complex characters, and gory action, it has earned a reputation for being one of the most intense and emotionally jarring anime series of all time. The animation, though limited by ‘90s technology, effectively conveys the core message of the source material. Yet, in all its despair, Berserk manages to infuse its narrative with epic moments and leave a lasting impression on fans. Currently unavailable to stream.
26
Neon Genesis Evangelion (1995 – 1996)
Neon Genesis Evangelion
- Release Date
-
October 4, 1995
- Cast
-
Megumi Ogata
, Megumi Hayashibara
, Kotono Mitsuishi
, Spike Spencer
, Allison Keith-Shipp
, Sue Ulu
, Amanda Winn Lee
, Tristan MacAvery - Seasons
-
1
Hailed as the most superior in the mecha anime subgenre, Neon Genesis Evangelion takes place in the wake of a cataclysmic event that left the world irrevocably transformed into a place where monstrous celestial beings called Angels have taken over Tokyo. We follow Shinji Ikari, a teenage boy tasked with piloting a colossal biomechanical robot called an “Evangelion” in a desperate bid to defend humanity.
Enduring Anime That Redefined the Mecha Genre
Celebrated for its groundbreaking storytelling and philosophical depth, Neon Genesis Evangelion is among the few anime series that hold a 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics describe it as “a cultural touchstone for Japan” that “doubles as an enthralling apex for the mecha anime genre and as a harrowing exploration of depression.” Gainax’s animation and the detailed mecha designs makes the anime an inspirational and timeless work of art.
25
Baccano! (2007 – 2008)
Baccano!
- Release Date
-
July 26, 2007
- Cast
-
Michael C. Pizzuto
, J. Michael Tatum
, Caitlin Glass
, Akemi Kanda
, Maxey Whitehead
, Masaya Onosaka
, Sayaka Aoki
, Sanae Kobayashi - Seasons
-
1
Based on the award-winning light novel series written by Ryohgo Narita and illustrated by Katsumi Enami, Baccano! is a blend of mystery and supernatural genres. It is set in prohibition-era America during the 1930s and it follows various people – like ambitious scientists and professional alchemists – as they get entangled in plots related to survival and immortality. Initially unrelated, these characters’ journeys lead to a madcap web of crime and chaos spread across the globe.
A Genre-Blend That Demands Multiple Rewatches
Baccano! is a delight to watch even if you’re not a fan of anime, and it’s because of the show’s incredible balance between wild action and dark comedy that it stands out from the rest. The series thrives on its unique non-linear storytelling and features one of anime’s most vibrant casts. Characters like Isaac and Miria are hilarious and lovable. Each episode is so carefully written and deftly paced that you forget that it’s all a part of an elaborate scheme in the series’ overarching tale. A genre mash of sorts, Baccano! deserves its popularity. Currently unavailable to stream.
24
Gintama (2005 – 2021)
Gintama
- Release Date
-
April 4, 2006
- Cast
-
Susumu Chiba
, Satsuki Yukino
, Tetsuharu Ota
, Michael Daingerfield
, Akira Ishida
In an alternate history in the late-Edo period, Japan surrendered to the rule of a powerful race of aliens known as “Amanto.” Under their oppression, the citizens must adhere to certain laws such as the prohibition of swords in public. But Gintoki Sakata, a lazy silver-haired junk dealer, and his eccentric team pay no heed to the rules. He carries a wooden sword with him at all times, maintains his samurai identity, and takes odd jobs to pay the rent. They also face greater threats and challenges with humor and impressive swordsmanship.
An Epic Samurai Soap Parody
A true master of genre-blending parody, Gintama packs immeasurable heart, hilarity, and action across its record-breaking run of nine seasons. The characters are flawed but likable in that they evolve amidst the fast and loose comedic commentary on politics, history, and control. The series has some tragic arcs too, but for the most part, they are hidden beneath outrageous gags and creative battles. While a samurai sitcom is an unusual approach within the medium, Gintama has endured its popularity by being consistently fresh, funny, and fascinating.
23
Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion (2006 – 2008)
Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion
- Release Date
-
October 6, 2006
- Cast
-
Johnny Yong Bosch
, Yuri Lowenthal
, Kate Higgins
, Karen Strassman
, Rebecca Forstadt
, Amy Kincaid
, Kim Mai Guest
, Julie Ann Taylor - Seasons
-
2
The story of an underdog rising from his quiet life to save the day always intrigues viewers. Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion follows a similar narrative. Set in an alternate timeline, it follows the Holy Empire of Britannia ruling Japan (now named Area 11) with an iron fist. Lelouch is a student living in the territory. After he gains a mysterious power called Geass from a girl named C.C., he realizes his significance in this battle and establishes himself as the masked vigilante, Zero, to lead the Japanese resistance movement.
An Instant Classic
By marrying mecha action with political intrigue, Code Geass emerges as a smashing hit among anime fans. Its highlight is the main character – Lelouch – who starts off simply as an antihero but evolves into an indelible strategist with complex layers, emotions, and a unique perspective, whose calculating acts conceal his humanity during just the right arcs. Tight writing drives the narrative towards an enormous amount of twists and turns. The animation is stylish and fluid. A shounen with brains, the series is simply amazing.
22
Steins;Gate (2011 – 2015)
Steins;Gate (2011)
- Release Date
-
April 6, 2011
- Cast
-
J. Michael Tatum
, Trina Nishimura
, Ashly Burch
, Tyson Rinehart
, Cherami Leigh
, Jessica Cavanagh
, Lindsay Seidel
, Jad Saxton
, Christopher Sabat - Seasons
-
1
Popular for its video-game-esque animation and clever use of time-travel tropes, Steins;Gate is adapted from Nitroplus’s 2009 visual novel of the same name. It follows Rintarou Okabe, an eccentric scientist, and his friends, who tinker with microwaves and gadgets in their small lab in Tokyo. They delight in small victories, but when they develop a device that can send text messages to the past, Rintarou and his friends find themselves thrust into a deadly game of adventure and high-stakes mystery-solving.
A Triumph in the Time Travel Sub-Genre
Steins;Gate is known among the anime world as “one of the most addictive sci-fi thrillers in recent anime history.” It pulls viewers deep into its intricately woven narrative by juxtaposing hard science fiction, drama, romance, and action. Okabe, the main character, is a lovable nerd whose development is smart and snappy. Not all of the character-driven anime is about fun though. Its accessible sci-fi concept also effortlessly steers the focus towards sincere relationships worth protecting as the story progresses toward a cathartic finale. As an added bonus, Steins;Gate has no filler episodes.
21
Haikyuu!! (2014 – 2020)
Haikyuu!!
- Release Date
-
April 5, 2014
- Cast
-
Ayumu Murase
, Kaito Ishikawa
, Yu Hayashi
, Satoshi Hino
, Miyu Irino
, Koki Uchiyama
, Soma Saito
, Nobuhiko Okamoto - Seasons
-
4
Sports anime are usually overflowing with sports facts and game rules, which makes them hard to follow for audiences who aren’t into sports. Haikyuu!! takes matters into its own hands by explaining every rule, position, and jargon about volleyball. The series revolves around Shouyou Hinata who developed a love for the sport after watching a championship match on TV. Despite his short stature, he transfers to Karasuno High School and fights his way through rivals to bring his team victory.
Focuses on Technique But Is Extremely Feel-Good
Haikyuu!! injects much-needed heart into the saturated sports genre. The intimate character bonds paired with passionately animated matches, the adrenaline of watching the action in the court paired with phenomenal sound design, the tender moments of friendship, and an overall heartwarming and inspirational tone, are all the elements that make the anime worth watching. Additionally, it proves that the underdog trope resonates with audiences no matter how many times it has been used before.
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20
One Punch Man (2015 – Present)
One Punch Man
- Release Date
-
October 25, 2015
- Cast
-
Makoto Furukawa
, Kaito Ishikawa
, Max Mittelman
, Zach Aguilar
, Hiromichi Tezuka
, Robbie Daymond - Seasons
-
2
In an alternate world filled with super-powered beings and monsters, Saitama is an average man with a singular dream of becoming a hero. For three years, he trains so intensely that he gains overwhelming strength and can now defeat almost anyone with a single punch. However, being so powerful has left him feeling unfulfilled and bored. Even his membership in the Hero Association doesn’t help cheer him up. It isn’t until 19-year-old cyborg Genos insists on becoming his disciple that Saitama finds purpose again.
Superhero Parody Packed With Humor
One Punch Man picks out the best elements from the superhero genre and spins it over its head by delivering a refreshing story that is just as action-packed as it is satirical. It aims for maximum hilarity by crafting Saitama into an endearing everyman. The smooth animation complements over-the-top fight scenes. While the core theme is about finding meaning in a world without challenges, with its absurd one-liners and diverse characters, One Punch Man leaves an impression on the comedy genre as well. Stream on Hulu.
19
Your Lie In April (2014 – 2015)
Your Lie in April
- Release Date
-
October 10, 2014
- Cast
-
Max Mittelman
, Erica Lindbeck
, Erica Mendez
, Kyle McCarley
, Erik Scott Kimerer
, Erika Harlacher
, Stephanie Sheh
, Wendee Lee
, Carrie Keranen
, Christina Vee - Seasons
-
1
Your Lie In April has the reputation of being the most heartbreaking anime of all time. It follows Kousei Arima, a piano prodigy who suffered a great loss after his mother’s death. Now drained of his ability to hear his own music, he leads a quiet life devoid of it. That is until he meets Kaori Miyazono, a fiery and eccentric violinist who insists Kousei becomes her accompanist on stage. She helps awaken his spirit and inspires him to perform again while grappling with her own illness.
A Sweeping Musical Love Letter
What starts as a light-hearted and colorful anime about music soon transforms into a magnificent yet deceitful love letter to growing up, coping with trauma, and cherishing each extraordinary moment of life. Your Lie In April has snowballed into popularity in recent years because of its warm and poignant narrative. The gorgeous soundtrack and visuals are perfectly suited to depict how music awakens one’s soul and spirit. As for its core romance, Kousei and Kaori’s tragic story leaves a few dry eyes.
18
Monster (2004 – 2005)
Monster
- Release Date
-
April 7, 2004
- Seasons
-
1
Anime is a medium that’s mostly occupied with mecha stories, superpowered beings, and fantasy romances. Very rarely does one come across a series as grounded in reality as Monster. Dark and disturbing from the get-go, Monster revolves around Dr. Kenzou Tenma, whose noble act of saving a young boy instead of a mayor sends him down a path of bigger consequences 10 years later, when the boy grows up and becomes a serial killer. A series of murders forces Tenma to pursue his former patient.
A Serial Killer Mind Game
Adapted from Naoki Urasawa’s masterful manga of the same name, Monster is a psychological thriller. It relies mainly on atmospheric direction and character development. The central story is about a man trying to mend a deed from a decade ago, one he believed was good and socially acceptable. Johan, too, is an enigmatic villain whose haunting nature causes unease among viewers. For a slow-burning serial killer story, Monster is truly unmatched.
17
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure (2012 – Present)
- Release Date
-
- Cast
-
David Vincent
, Matthew Mercer
, Daisuke Ono
, Unshô Ishizuka
, Tôru Ohkawa - Seasons
-
5
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is an anime based on a manga of the same name by Hirohiko Araki. The anime first started airing in 2012 and quickly gained a lot of fans worldwide. The unique storyline of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure follows different members of the Joestar family, who fight with different supernatural foes across familial generations. All of these different protagonists have a name that can be abbreviated to “JoJo.”
JoJo’s Polarizing Adventure
Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure is an anime that has polarized the anime fandom for a long time. It has a unique art style that is not everyone’s cup of tea. But the way the storyline of this anime progressed only made more and more people love it. In the recent seasons of the anime, the art style has also become more modernized and sleek. The most recent arc of the anime was Stone Ocean, which was released from 2021-2022. Fans of the series are now waiting for the next arc of the manga, Steel Ball Run, to be animated. So, even though it has a polarizing effect on its audience, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is one of the most famous anime of all time. Its cultural impact alone is enough to give it such a distinction.
16
Bleach (2004 – 2023)
- Release Date
-
September 6, 2006
- Cast
-
Johnny Yong Bosch
, Michelle Ruff
, Stephanie Sheh
, Jamieson Price
, Derek Stephen Prince
, Wally Wingert - Seasons
-
16
Bleach is a more traditional adult anime that ran from 2004-2012, but is still ongoing to this day. The series follows Ichigo Kurosaki after he is bestowed with the powers of a Soul Reaper, a role similar to that of the Grim Reaper. He sets out to defend humans from evil spirits, all while guiding lost souls into the afterlife. Based on the best-selling manga of the same name by Tite Kubo, fans early on wondered how the anime would condense all the pages of filler found in the source material. After all, Bleach is just as famous for being one of the longest-running anime series of all time.
Veered Far from the Manga
As it turns out, they didn’t. Instead, the series played it fast and loose with the source material by introducing characters and storylines not found in the manga. While shows like this are notorious for bloated casts, each character in this series had their own ongoing storyline that was more adult-focused than others at the time. After a lengthy hiatus, Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War, a direct sequel to the original anime series, came out in late 2022. The series hopes to close out the final arc of the manga, though it may do just as well to deviate as it has in the past.
15
My Hero Academia (2016 – Present)
My Hero Academia
- Release Date
-
April 3, 2016
- Cast
-
Aoi Yuki
, Ayane Sakura
, Christopher R. Sabat
, Yûki Kaji
, Nobuhiko Okamoto
, Luci Christian
, David Matranga
, Justin Briner
, Kenta Miyake
, Clifford Chapin
, Daiki Yamashita - Seasons
-
7
My Hero Academia takes place in a fictional world where a majority of the human population has unique superpowers called “Quirks.” The story focuses on a protagonist named Izuku, who starts off with no quirks but is determined to become a hero nonetheless. He’s given the courage to do so via the endorsement of All Might, the world’s greatest hero, as Izuku is enrolled in a prominent superhero high school. Since the anime debuted in 2016, the series has since spawned several multimedia adaptations for stage plays and video games.
A Premier Superhero Anime
Originally released during the peak of comic book entertainment in the 2010s, My Hero Academia took off almost immediately. With brilliant character developments, fascinating storylines, and a heavy emphasis on the idea of good vs. evil, this superhero anime has won a large fan base because of its positive life lessons. There are multiple reasons why this modern-day anime has become successful, but you could ultimately say that the well-rounded characters, impressive visuals, and fantastic soundtrack have allowed My Hero Academia to be one of the best anime series out today.
14
Hunter x Hunter (2011 – 2014)
- Release Date
-
April 17, 2016
- Cast
-
Issei Futamata
, Megumi Han
, Cristina Valenzuela
, Mariya Ise
, Michael McConnohie - Seasons
-
1
Based on the manga of the same name by Yoshihiro Togashi, Hunter x Hunter is surely one of the most popular anime of all time. The anime started to air in 2011, and the last season of it came out in 2014. The series focuses on the main protagonist, Gon, who lives in a fantastical world filled with ferocious beasts, magical powers, and mysterious treasures. Gon’s main aim is to find his father, who ultimately left Gon at a young age to become a Hunter — a recognized professional who specializes in supernatural pursuits — and to also become a hunter himself to prove his worth to the world.
Popular in Spite of Production Issues
The only reason why the anime is not more popular is because of its faltering pace, which ultimately ground to a halt in 2014. Still, in spite of its infamous production schedule across several adaptations, Hunter x Hunter‘s positive qualities continue to drive its enduring popularity, namely its engaging storyline and meaningful character arcs. The antagonists of the series are also really intriguing, and the action sequences are delightful cherry on top. Stream on Netflix, Hulu, Peacock, and Prime Video.
13
Death Note (2006 – 2007)
- Release Date
-
October 4, 2006
- Cast
-
Mamoru Miyano
, Brad Swaile
, Vincent Tong
, Ryō Naitō
, Trevor Devall - Seasons
-
1
A dark anime with a simple plot, Death Note can be as thought-provoking as it is gruesome. The story focuses on the absolute power to kill just about anyone with a name and a face. The power to do just this is bestowed on the owner of the Death Note, a magical notebook that belongs to a mysterious shinigami known as Ryuk. When it falls into the hands of a high school student named Light Yagami, he makes a harrowing discovery: a person can be killed by simply writing their name in the Death Note.
A Fascinating Examination of Corruption
This series constantly makes the viewer question who is the protagonist and who is the antagonist throughout. In fact, the anime might start off with the viewer rooting for Light, only to realize this character is filled with pure evil and is willing to use anyone close to him to achieve his dream of becoming a God of a new world. The ending of Death Note, however, proves just how evil Yagami is.
Death Note‘s reflections on certain ideologies, like what morality is, the debate on the death penalty, and the power of certain organizations and people, can be quite intriguing. It is likely a combination of these factors, along with some impressive animation by Madhouse and incredible voice performances, that gave Death Note such enduring longevity in the world of anime. Stream on Netflix, Hulu, Peacock, and Prime Video.
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- Release Date
-
April 5, 2009
- Cast
-
Maxey Whitehead
, Vic Mignogna
, Andrew Love
, Brittney Karbowski
, Caitlin Glass
, Chris Cason
, Chris Patton
, Chris Rager
, Christine Auten
, Christopher R. Sabat
, Colleen Clinkenbeard
, Ed Blaylock
, Eric Vale
, George Manley
, J. Michael Tatum
, Jerry Russell - Seasons
-
1
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is based on Hiromu Arakawa’s manga of a similar name. Set in a steampunk world of magic and advanced technology, a pair of brothers — Edward Elric and Alphonse Elric — attempt to revive their deceased mother via the dangerous art of alchemy. Unfortunately, after their attempt leaves the two brothers gravely wounded, the two aim to locate the philosopher’s stone in order to restore their bodies to their previous state.
While there are technically two Fullmetal Alchemist series, there are some key differences between the two. The most notable difference between the two is that Brotherhood is far more faithful to the original manga. In fact, after Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood was released in 2009, it went on to become more popular than the 2003 version due to its loyalty to the original story.
A Legendary Fantasy Anime
This anime is one that focuses on some important topics, including family bonds, fascism, ethical practices, and the natural vs. the unnatural debate. Though the series takes some time to truly establish itself, what many audiences found in Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood was a series that fully explored the emotional spectrum. The two protagonists have natural growth, and as the series goes on, their worldviews gradually mature into something genuinely surprising. Combined with effective characterization and an inventive interpretation of alchemy, and you have what is likely to be one of the most well-regarded anime series of all time.
11
Mobile Suit Gundam Wing (1995 – 1996)
- Release Date
-
March 6, 2000
- Cast
-
Hikaru Midorikawa
, Toshihiko Seki
, Ryûzô Ishino
, Akio Otsuka
, David Kaye - Seasons
-
1
The early anime scene has long been filled with mecha or mechs, giant robot-like machines controlled by people. While there have been endless iterations of this, from Mega Man to Transformers, the Gundam franchise has long dominated the anime space. While most of the franchise is solid in terms of overall quality, Mobile Suit Gundam Wing does hold a soft spot for many American audiences due to its beloved slot on Cartoon Network’s Toonami block in the early 2000s.
Much like the original series, the plot revolves around a future war between Earth and its orbital colonies in the Earth-Moon system. This war is facilitated via traditional weaponry and the utilization of “Gundams,” giant mechanized suits that grant a pilot superior maneuverability and more powerful weapons compared to a traditional vehicle. A group of five Gundam pilots are the focus, with their individual efforts in fighting the Organization of the Zodiac being chronicled throughout.
The Most Popular Gundam Series
The series features political intrigue and epic battles alongside its jaw-dropping suits. While not the first in the series and not even the first to make it to the United States, it holds the distinction of being the first to air on live television. It was a series that featured more than just explosive action: the wartime intrigue and explorations of relationships were just as much a focus as the giant robots duking it out. It made a lasting impression for generations to come, laying the foundation for the Gundam franchise’s continued international success.