Top 20 Binge Worthy Anime of the Century So Far (Part 2)
Top 20 Binge Worthy Anime of the Century (So Far) Part 2
Top 50 Binge Worthy Anime of the Century (So Far)
Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the Top 20 Binge Worthy Anime of the Century So Far… Again! For this list, we’ll be looking at the modern anime series that are best served with multiple episodes at a time. If you think we’ve missed any, be sure to check out our original list on this topic. Let us know in the comments if you’ve ever finished an anime in one sitting!
#20: “Drifters” (2016)
At first glance, a Japanese warrior being teleported to a wartorn fantasy world doesn’t sound all that groundbreaking. But, rest assured, this realm is still well worth the vacation. Despite a familiar setup, the show quickly substitutes genre convention for a tightly-written narrative full of rousing action, light humor, and flashy animation. The brisk pace ensures things never get dull, and it’s a struggle just to take a breath in between the climactic setpieces. Plus, it doubles as a lesson on Japanese culture since the titular cast of defenders are reimagined interpretations of actual historical figures. It’s a bloody delight, but it was made by the mad lad responsible for Hellsing, so what do you expect?
#19: “My Hero Academia” (2016-)
Top 20 Best My Hero Academia Fights
Izuku Midoriya may be normal compared to our world, but his lack of a superpowered ability makes him an anomaly in his. However, quirk or not, he is determined to become a hero, and thankfully, he’s got some ‘mighty’ mentors to help him out along the way. The show’s blend of breathtaking fight scenes and heartwarming school life hijinks proved to be a downright “super” combination. Better yet, all that’s on top of standout production values and an expansive cast of lovable characters. The bombastic action is as hype as it comes, whilst doubling down on its loving homage to all things superhero.
#18: “The Case Study of Vanitas” (2021-22)
Top 20 Binge Worthy Anime of the Century (So Far)
In 19th century Paris, a young man with a magical grimoire tracks down vampires - but not to kill them. Instead, Vanitas and his sidekick, Noé , use the mystical book to cure bloodsucker’s of their carnivorous urges. Despite the trimmings of horror, it sidesteps a self-serious tone with plenty of knowing humor and sensual interactions. Along the way, there’s swoon-worthy romances, breezy action sequences, and even a good, old-fashioned conspiracy thrown in just for good measure. Vampires have never looked so fashionable.
#17: “Sk8 the Infinity” (2021)
Top 10 Romance Anime To Binge Watch
After launching off the ramp during the crowded 2021 anime season, this light-hearted series landed with an impressive flip trick. It explored the dangerous - and often comical - world of underground skateboarding without losing sight of its well-defined central themes. To help balance out its dramatic duels, the show rolled on with a surprising attention to character development. From climactic showdowns, to eye-popping skate tricks, to Reki and Langa’s adorable relationship, there was always a good reason to pick up the board again after the credits rolled.
#16: “That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime” (2018-21)
Top 30 Anime Of The Century (So Far)
Yeah, the title here is kind of its sales pitch, too. While it doesn’t stray too far off the isekai path, it still, somehow, morphed itself into something special, Rimuru successfully swallows up both food and fan expectations with their lovable attitude. Fulfilling the promise of its name, the show’s focus on Rimuru’s charming quirks lends the series a much-needed emotional center. Their jovial curiosity is then juxtaposed with some intense moments where they totally throw down the gauntlet - or, in some cases, the Megiddo. It’s a well-executed fantasy with enough added earnestness to make you wish you’d reincarnate into a slime, too. Who wouldn’t want to run a nation of monsters?
#15: “Sabikui Bisco” (2022)
While it takes place in a dystopian future ravaged by rust, this battle-anime completely shakes the stuff off its seemingly familiar tropes. In an attempt to save the world, Bisco and his comrade Milo traverse the desert with only a bow and arrow. Except, these projectiles spontaneously grow mushrooms upon impact, and might be the key to curing the worldwide plague. Yeah, it’s admittedly a strange foundation, but the dubious worldbuilding soon becomes its strongest attribute. The post-apocalyptic visuals and non-sentient threat give the show a distinct narrative identity within its well-trodden framework. After some jaw-dropping late-game twists, the only complaint we have is that it went by way too fast.
#14: “Moriarty the Patriot” (2020-21)
After assembling all the clues, it would appear the real culprit of this show’s success was its characters all along. Just not the one you’d expect. It’s no mystery why there’s an anime based on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s iconic stories, but focusing on villain William Moriarty would’ve left even Sherlock scratching his head. However, by flipping the crime scene, the engaging mind-games broach new perspectives on justice and classism. As it draws you deeper into its clever mysteries, the show pulls its own sleight of hand by turning into a complex character study. One could say it's surge in popularity was…elementary.
#13: “Beastars” (2019-)
On principle, CG animation can be a tough sell, especially when the show’s main cast is fluffy instead of flesh. But, if given the chance, this series will take you by stampede. Its innovative 3D visuals often surpass its 2D counterparts with beautiful mosaics that push the limits of what an anime can look like. There’s plenty of meat to chew on these bones, too, from Legoshi’s animalistic impulses to the brewing conflict between carnivores and herbivores. It’s all seasoned to perfection with just enough political commentary to resonate far beyond its beastial implications. With all that, it’s no wonder why this stands at the top of the anime food chain.
#12: “Fire Force” (2019-)
Top 10 Fire Power Users in Anime (ft. Todd Haberkorn)
This ember burned its mark on fans through hot storylines and even hotter action sequences. As everyone knows, the best way to douse human combustion is to fight fire with fire. Or, at least, that’s what Shinra and his team of pyrokinetics think. It seems to be working out, to the tune of an ambitious onscreen adaptation featuring some of the most stunning animation a weekly series has ever seen. Complimented by standout sound design, it’s hard not to be awed by how much impact each and every blow has. If you’re in the mood for something flashy, nothing burns brighter than these flames.
#11: “Black Lagoon” (2006)
Top 10 Black Clover Moments
Chaotic, unrealistic, and a bit excessive, but damn, this show's a great time! Even Rock agrees, and he was just a lowly salaryman. After being presumed dead, the former office worker decides to join this modern-day pirate crew as their professional coordinator. From there, it’s gang wars, gun fights, and the best kind of criminal antics across a seedy underbelly of a setting. It’s cool, it’s quick, and best of all, it’s easy viewing without ever becoming mindless. That might have something to do with Revy always stealing the show!
#10: “Talentless Nana” (2020)
At this superpowered high school, math, science, and murder are all on the curriculum. Given the potential threat of a bunch of super teens taking over the world, the government decides to send in a specialist - the so-called Talentless Nana. She may be powerless, but she is oh so efficient at permanently expelling her classmates. While everyone else thinks they’re in a murder mystery, the real tension comes from whether Nana can complete her mission before her extracurricular activities are exposed. It turns the boilerplate concept into a literal game of “Among Us,” with a never-ending spree of close calls.
#9: “Kengan Ashura” (2019-)
Alongside contracts, business transactions in this revisionist Japan are done in the arena. When the prestigious Kengan Annihilation Tournament rolls around, Tokita “Ashura” Ohma’s knack for busting heads earns him a spot on his sponsor’s behalf. And, really, that’s all the setup you need. What follows is a near-exhausting stretch of epic fights full of stellar choreography, awesome techniques, and fist-bumping clashes of strength. Even more, the standout 3D animation elevates the already-hype martial arts flurries with fluid movement and dynamic camera angles. Since the story basically chronicles one long tournament arc, the twenty-something episodes fly by faster than one of Ashura’s punches.
#8: “Gurren Lagann” (2007)
Much like Simon and Kamina, this show just doesn’t deserve to be underground. After the two brothers stumble upon an ancient mech, they take their rightful concerns about humanity’s fate to the war torn surface world. The sibling dynamic between Simon and Kamina grounds the show through some outstanding action sequences that are the epitome of the word “epic.” There’s also a mecha-sized mystery afoot in the galaxy, but it’s used as a framing device to tell a genuinely inspiring story about brotherhood and self-empowerment. What makes this show truly great is that it’s about lovable characters who happen to pilot giant robots, not the other way around.
#7: “Vinland Saga” (2019-)
The historical backdrop of this dramatized retelling isn’t just for effect. Instead, it fearlessly sails the choppy waters of what it really means to be a viking. Even if parts aren’t entirely accurate, the result is undeniably impactful. The Shakespearean plotting and intricate themes effortlessly coalesce into a story that, at its core, is a simple coming-of-age tale. Albeit, one caked in blood, vengeance, and animosity. However, the bursts of violence are earned through its commitment to deep characters and a fact-based setting. It’s a cruel tale about the loss of innocence, but the unflinching realities make it a shipwreck you can’t take your eyes off of. Plus, Askeladd might just be the greatest written character in anime, period.
#6: “Bungo Stray Dogs” (2016-)
Atsushi’s adventures in the “Armed Detective Agency" will leave you barking for more after just one viewing. To support its fleshed-out cast and unique premise, the series consistently trades out tones and styles to keep each episode fresh. It’s a horror film one moment, a comedy the next, and then a cold-case after that. Its experimental style means the episodic cases never grow stale, and instead allow a thorough examination of vastly different sides of the cast - and we aren’t just talking about the weretiger transformations. While you can never be totally sure what you’re going to get from it, this supernatural procedural is still well worth adopting.
#5: “Death Note” (2006-07)
Top 10 DUMBEST Changes in Death Note 2017
Turns out murder is indeed like potato chips; you can’t stop at just one. From the inaugural scribble in the Death Note, there’s no looking away from this addictively entertaining thrill-ride. The captivating back-and-forth between the wannabe omnipotent Light and prodigal detective L is less a game of cat-and-mouse than it is a war of two damaged geniuses. Instead of empty action sequences, “Death Note” subverts expectations at every page through riveting rounds of mental chess that produce some genuinely heart-stopping plot twists.
#4: “Astra Lost in Space” (2019)
Adolescence is tough enough even without getting stranded across the cosmos. Luckily, these kids are resourceful enough to set a course back. But, managing resources, making supply runs on hostile planets, and keeping hormones in check is a tough job for nine teenagers. While their slowly-formed camaraderie is worth the price of admission alone, it's the ambitious mystery at its heart that really sends this show into the stratosphere of greatness. Unfortunately, that’s really all that can be said without rocketing into an asteroid field of spoilers. Just take our word for it that this seemingly straightforward road-trip shot for the stars in more ways than one.
#3: “Mobile Suit Gundam 00” (2007-09)
Top 10 Mobile Suits From The Gundam Franchise
After nearly thirty years on the air, you’d think these legendary mechs would cast a shadow so big no show could even step out of it. And yet, somehow, the double-O series proved its Gundams weren’t running on fumes just yet. The thematically-rich story has a propulsive sense of narrative momentum that practically yanks its viewers along with it. But, this is “Gundam,” and naturally it features some classic mecha-carnage. Plus, the advent of modern technology helped it deliver some of the most thrilling fight scenes the series had ever seen. With shiny production values and plenty of fuel left in the tank, “00” didn’t just reach “Gundam’s” high bar, it surpassed it.
#2: “Baki” Franchise (2000-)
If you’re looking for more of a long-term relationship, it’s hard to go wrong with a show that’s been shattering ribs and expectations for over twenty years. Across three series and a hundred episodes, Baki’s proven his worth in the delightfully lethal game of no-rules hand-to-hand combat. The iconic action sequences haven't let up yet, and each new iteration of the show continues to build upon the surprisingly deep ongoing storyline. Baki just keeps getting stronger, and there’s no sign of him stepping out of the ring any time soon.
#1: “Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion” (2006-08)
Code Geass Vs Death Note
Armed with the power to force obedience upon anyone, Lelouch vi Britannia wages a strategic struggle against his corrupt royal lineage. But, what happens on the battlefield isn’t nearly as engaging as the ideological decisions that war demands. This show routinely reminds the audience that while Lelouch is the main character, he’s no hero. Instead, his single-minded determination leads to some downright maddening cliffhangers guaranteed to leave you hitting “play next.” If you start this show, you might as well grab a snack and get comfortable, too, since your eyes will be glued to the screen as if Geass itself commanded it.
