Anime has been around for a surprisingly long time, with its origins dating back to the 1910s. However, the medium has come a long way and is more popular than ever because of shows like Jujutsu Kaisen and Dandadan. While the enhanced animation and better quality are great, many fans argue that nothing is better than the classics, which shaped anime into what it is today despite constant evolution.
The classics are essential and enjoyable shows that have established themselves through years of development. However, some newer anime proves to have what it takes to be considered a modern classic. This list will rank the ten best anime series that are already modern classics based on their uniqueness, creativity, importance, cultural impact, critical acclaim, fan opinion, and overall quality. An anime can be considered a modern classic if it aired in 2010 or later.
10 'Dr. Stone' (2019) Studio: TMS Entertainment
Science is truly wonderful, isn't it? It may not have been everyone's favorite subject, but Dr. Stone will make anyone a fan with its creative premise and genius ideas. After a mysterious light petrifies all of humanity, the high school genius Senku wakes up thousands of years later to solve the cure, cause and eventually rebuild humanity. The final season is airing in 2025 but will most likely be split into three parts.
Dr. Stone may not have the critical acclaim or universal praise from fans, but no one can dismiss its uniqueness, which has cemented this show as a modern classic. No other anime is like Dr. Stone, with its complex use of science to rebuild society, keeping fans entertained while also educating them. It is one of the best sci-fi anime series that will restore anyone's faith in humanity, which fans are ten billion percent likely to enjoy.
Your Rating close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Rate Now 0/10 Dr. Stone TV-14 Animation Action Adventure Sci-Fi Release Date July 5, 2019 Where to watch Close WHERE TO WATCH Streaming BUY
Cast Aaron Dismuke, Brandon McInnis, Felecia Angelle, Matt Shipman, Ricco Fajardo Creator Riichiro Inagaki Seasons 4 Powered by Expand Collapse 9 'The Tatami Galaxy' (2010) Studio: Madhouse
Just barely making the cut by being released in 2010, The Tatami Galaxy is a remarkable piece of anime history that fans will surely fall in love with. The protagonist is looking for his rose-colored college life and the girl of his dreams, prompting him to enroll in a club with his raven-haired maiden. Each episode is set in a parallel universe, following a different reality of what he chose, even though he always falls into the same mistakes.
While its relentless pace can get ahead of fans, the rushed nature is a symbolic theme that fans will get used to after a few episodes. This psychological romance is told through experimental storytelling and inventive animation, displaying an avant-garde style with powerful themes that separate it from the rest. The Tatami Galaxy is perfect from start to finish and an award-winning series with critical acclaim from everyone who watched, making it a modern classic.
Your Rating close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Rate Now 0/10 The Tatami Galaxy TV-14 Animation Comedy Drama Mystery Release Date 2010 - 2010
Cast Shintaro Asanuma, Hiroyuki Yoshino, Rin Mizuhara, Maaya Sakamoto, Jun'ichi Suwabe, Yûko Kaida, Keiji Fujiwara, Setsuji Sato Creator Tomihiko Morimi Seasons 1 Powered by Expand Collapse 8 'Nichijou' (2011) Studio: Kyoto Animation
Western viewers have a much different sense of humor than Japanese viewers, making it very difficult to find a perfect comedy anime. However, Nichijou is as good as it gets, excelling as one of the funniest and wackiest anime series. It follows the daily lives of the residents of this town, mainly three friends, a young professor, and her robot. Their rambunctious antics always seem to disrupt the equally chaotic citizens.
As fans eagerly await the creator's new series and one of the most anticipated anime of 2025, City The Animation, they can always rewatch Nichijou, one of the most acclaimed anime comedies. While a few anime could earn this status, all pale in comparison to Nichijou's surreal humor and gags, sporting a wholesome design with some of the most bizarre jokes. It is a legendary series that fans can agree is the greatest comedy anime.
Your Rating close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Rate Now 0/10 Nichijou - My Ordinary Life TV-14 Animation Comedy Release Date 2011 - 2011 Where to watch Close WHERE TO WATCH Streaming
Cast Morgan Garrett, Leah Clark, Brittany Lauda, Monica Rial, Jad Saxton, Anthony Bowling Creator Keiichi Arawi Seasons 1 Powered by Expand Collapse 7 'Frieren: Beyond Journey's End' (2023) Studio: Madhouse
Releasing in 2023, Frieren: Beyond Journey's End is the latest anime to make this list and a testament to just how impressive this series is. Decades after the eponymous character and her party defeated the demon king, she must watch as they pass on, regretful of the words she didn't share. With two of their disciples, they go on a quest through memory lane to Auberst, where she can speak with her fallen friends.
Despite having a single season, Freiren is already a modern classic because of its story, critical acclaim, fan opinion, and relevance. Indeed, it is a cultural staple in the modern-day anime landscape. It takes its time with patient storytelling and wholesome adventures, but it knows when to dial the heat up with action and animation. Frieren is perfect for non-anime fans or veterans, providing a once-in-a-lifetime anime experience.
Your Rating close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Rate Now 0/10 Frieren: Beyond Journey's End TV-14 Animation Adventure Drama 10/10 Release Date September 29, 2023
Cast Mallorie Rodak, Jason Douglas, Clifford Chapin, Chris Guerrero, Jill Harris, Jordan Dash Cruz Creator Kanehito Yamada Seasons 1 Powered by Expand Collapse 6 'Haikyuu!' (2014) Studio: Production I.G
Sports are an undeniable source of entertainment, even if some fans don't get the hype. Haikyuu! proves fans wrong by delivering a standout experience of hype and excitement. Despite his small stature, Hintata is a ball of energy with tall dreams, but high school is the key to achieving success. But first, he must learn to cooperate with the superstar rookie setter, Kageyama.
Fans can argue that Haikyu doesn't do anything special, and while they may not be wrong, the show has perfected the sports anime formula. Its underdog story and endearing characters are infectious, each with considerable development and importance, highlighting the drama off the court. Haikyu is a remarkably rewatchable anime that fans will never get tired of, providing some of the most hype and dramatic moments in the genre.
Your Rating close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Rate Now 0/10 Haikyu!! TV-14 Animation Comedy Drama Sports Release Date 2014 - 2019 Where to watch Close WHERE TO WATCH Streaming BUY
Cast Bryson Baugus, Scott Gibbs, Leraldo Anzaldua, Cameron Bautsch, Justin Doran, Adam Gibbs, Orlanders Jones Creator Haruichi Furudate Seasons 4 Powered by Expand Collapse 5 'Vinland Saga' (2019) Studios: Wit Studio and MAPPA
While the manga is a lot older, it took far too long for Vinland Saga to receive an anime adaptation. When it finally arrived, it was just as glorious as fans expected it to be. The anime is a historical Vikings series, following a young Thorfinn as he travels with the same people who killed his father, training with them until he is strong enough to take their lives. However, his life is a rollercoaster, taking him to unexpected places and meeting new people.
With only two seasons, Vinland Saga is already a modern classic with much more content to adapt, meaning it will be one of the most incredible series of all time when it ends. It possesses one of the best stories in anime, with subtle character moments and philosophical debate, highlighted by one of the greatest arcs in anime. The profound story and character development are excellent, even among the best anime, making Vinland Saga one for the history books.
Your Rating close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Rate Now 0/10 Vinland Saga TV-MA Action Adventure History 10/10 Release Date 2019 - 2023
Cast Yûto Uemura, Mike Haimoto, Shinya Takahashi, Alejandro Saab, Hiroki Gotô, Aleks Le, Kaiji Tang, Michael C. Pizzuto Creator Makoto Yukimura Seasons 2 Powered by Expand Collapse 4 'Ping Pong the Animation' (2014) Studio: Tatsunoko Production
If Haikyu taught fans anything, it's not to judge an anime by its sport, which they should take into consideration when watching Ping Pong the Animation. It may not be the flashiest or most impressive sport, but this anime proves ping pong is just as cool as anything else. The anime follows two friends on their ping-pong journey: one loves the sport and is decent; the other has no strong feelings towards it but is excellent at it.
Who knew a story about ping-pong would have such artistic expression? The anime delivers thought-provoking themes accentuated by its innovative visuals and experimental animation. Ping Pong the Animation is a beautiful journey about winning and losing and the importance of both, as it showcases the stories of different characters and their experiences. It has some of the best animation in anime, but it is unique and creative enough to win countless awards.
Your Rating close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Rate Now 0/10 Ping Pong The Animation TV-14 Animation Drama Sports Release Date 2014 - 2013 Where to watch Close WHERE TO WATCH Streaming
Cast Koki Uchiyama, Aaron Dismuke, Micah Solusod, Alan Chow, Tyson Rinehart, Mark Stoddard, Yusaku Yara, Fukujurou Katayama, Yosei Bun, Masako Nozawa, Pam Dougherty, Marcus D. Stimac Creator Taiyō Matsumoto Seasons 1 Powered by Expand Collapse 3 'Mob Psycho 100' (2016) Studio: Bones
Mob Psycho 100 has established itself as an iconic must-watch series because of its wholesome developments and epic fights. The anime follows Shigeo Kageyama, a mild-mannered kid who is also the world's most powerful psychic. However, he has trouble expressing his emotions, which tend to come out in psychic bursts that he occasionally uses to defeat other powerful espers.
Whether fans watch it for its stellar animation and stunning fight scenes or its touching story of self-expression, it has something for everyone, which is part of the reason it is a modern classic. Mob Psycho 100 is an incredibly inventive series with all its elements, pushing the boundaries of action, animation, and storytelling to deliver one of the most complete anime ever, perfect from start to finish.
Your Rating close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Rate Now 0/10 Mob Psycho 100 TV-14 Action Animation Comedy Supernatural 10/10 Release Date 2016 - 2022
Cast Kyle McCarley, Jason Liebrecht, Chris Niosi, Michael Sorich, Max Mittelman, Erik Scott, Kimerer, Casey Mongillo, Cherami Leigh Seasons 3 Powered by Expand Collapse 2 'Jojo's Bizarre Adventure' (2012) Studio: David Production Close
It feels wrong to call Jojo's Bizarre Adventure a modern classic, considering the manga began in the 1980s. However, since the reboot began in 2012, the anime is technically modern. The series is split into parts, each focusing on a different generation of the Joestar family. However, they always get into bizarre adventures, from fighting an immortal vampire to finding a serial killer to stopping a priest trying to reset the universe.
A new event, Jojo Day, is scheduled for April 2025, with fans hoping for the adaptation of Steel Ball Run, one of the greatest manga ever. But with or without it, Jojo's Bizarre Adventure is already a modern classic, and Steel Ball Run will likely elevate it among the greatest of all time. This show is probably the most unique anime that combines its rambunctious creativity with suspenseful fights and daring adventures, etching itself in history as a modern legend.
1 'Attack on Titan' (2013) Studios: Wit Studio and MAPPA
Coming in at number one should be no surprise, as Attack on Titan is a gigantic anime that has enveloped the world as of late. When the Titans destroy his town and eat his mother, Eren Yaeger vows to kill them all but suddenly gains the power to turn into the exact thing he hates. He uses his newfound power to lead humanity outside the falls, only to realize his true enemy lies even further.
Attack on Titan is an already legendary show that remained one of the most popular anime from its first season to the final episode. Its ending broke the internet on an unprecedented scale, with even non-anime fans watching this series. Its popularity cannot be understated, and its prominence in pop culture changed the landscape of anime. Attack on Titan is one of the best completed anime and an essential viewing for every fan, making it a modern classic.
NEXT: The 10 Most Rewatchable Anime Shows, Ranked