The Most Loved Anime in Japan, Ranked

Choose the anime you think is the most loved!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 29, 2024 06:37
Anime holds a unique position in Japanese culture, reflecting not only local tastes but also global trends. By ranking popular anime, viewers gain insights into what resonates with fans and why certain series capture hearts. Such rankings serve as a guide for newcomers curious about which series have left lasting impressions. As fans cast their votes, the list dynamically shifts to highlight current preferences and emerging favorites. This process ensures that the ranking stays relevant and reflective of real-time public opinion. Your vote counts here, helping shape a collective perspective on the best of anime.

What Is the Most Loved Anime in Japan?

  1. 1
    26
    votes

    One Piece

    The story follows Monkey D. Luffy, a boy whose body gained the properties of rubber after unintentionally eating a Devil Fruit, as he travels the Grand Line with his pirate crew, the Straw Hat Pirates, to find the One Piece and become the Pirate King.
    • Studio: Toei Animation
    • Original Run: 1999
  2. 2
    21
    votes

    Naruto

    It tells the story of Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja who seeks recognition from his peers and dreams of becoming the Hokage, the leader of his village.
    • Studio: Studio Pierrot
    • Original Run: 2002
  3. 3
    17
    votes

    Dragon Ball

    The series follows the adventures of the protagonist, Goku, from his childhood through adulthood as he trains in martial arts and explores the world in search of the seven orbs known as Dragon Balls, which summon a wish-granting dragon when gathered.
    • Studio: Toei Animation
    • Original Run: 1984
  4. 4
    13
    votes

    Attack on Titan

    Set in a world where humanity resides within enormous walled cities to protect themselves from Titans, it follows Eren Yeager and his friends who join the military to fight the Titans.
    • Studio: Wit Studio (Seasons 1-3), MAPPA (Season 4)
    • Original Run: 2013
  5. 5
    6
    votes

    Sailor Moon

    The series follows the adventures of a schoolgirl named Usagi Tsukino as she transforms into Sailor Moon to search for a magical artifact, the "Legendary Silver Crystal".
    • Studio: Toei Animation
    • Original Run: 1992
  6. 6
    1
    votes

    Death Note

    The series centers around a high school student who discovers a supernatural notebook that allows him to kill anyone by writing the person's name while picturing their face.
    • Studio: Madhouse
    • Original Run: 2006
  7. 7
    0
    votes

    Jujutsu Kaisen

    The story revolves around Yuji Itadori, a high school student who joins a secret organization of Jujutsu Sorcerers in order to kill a powerful Curse named Ryomen Sukuna, of whom Yuji becomes the host.
    • Studio: MAPPA
    • Original Run: 2020
  8. 8
    0
    votes

    Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba

    A story about Tanjiro Kamado, a young boy who becomes a demon slayer after his family is slaughtered and his younger sister Nezuko is turned into a demon.
    • Studio: ufotable
    • Original Run: 2019
  9. 9
    0
    votes

    My Hero Academia

    In a world where people with superpowers (known as "Quirks") are the norm, a boy without them is determined to enroll in a prestigious hero academy and learn what it really means to be a hero.
    • Studio: Bones
    • Original Run: 2016
  10. 10
    0
    votes

    Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

    The story follows two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, who are searching for the Philosopher's Stone to restore their bodies after a failed attempt to bring their mother back to life using alchemy.
    • Studio: Bones
    • Original Run: 2009

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About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most loved anime in Japan. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Anime is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2477 views
  • 84 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Movers & Shakers

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Anime once every 24 hours. The rank of each Anime is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

Additional Information

More about the Most Loved Anime in Japan

One Piece
Rank #1 for the most loved anime in Japan: One Piece (Source)
Anime holds a special place in Japanese culture. It started as a form of entertainment and has grown into a global phenomenon. Its roots go back to the early 20th century. This was when Japan first began to explore animation. The medium evolved over time, gaining popularity with each passing decade.

In the 1960s, anime started to take off. Television became more common, and with it, animated shows. These early series captured the hearts of many. They introduced a new way to tell stories. The art style was unique, different from Western animation. Characters had large, expressive eyes. The stories were often complex and emotional.

The 1970s and 1980s saw a boom in anime production. Studios produced many series and films. Some were aimed at children, others at adults. Genres began to diversify. There were stories about robots, space, and everyday life. This diversity helped anime appeal to a wide audience.

In the 1990s, anime reached new heights. The internet made it easier to share and discuss shows. Fans from around the world could now watch and talk about their favorite series. This global reach helped anime grow even more. It became a significant part of pop culture.

The 2000s and beyond continued this trend. High-quality series and films kept coming. Technology improved, allowing for better animation. Streaming services made it easier to access anime. Fans could watch shows anytime, anywhere. This convenience helped anime maintain its popularity.

Anime is more than just entertainment. It reflects Japanese society and culture. Many series explore themes like friendship, love, and perseverance. They often include elements of Japanese folklore and history. This gives viewers a glimpse into Japan's rich cultural heritage.

Anime also has a strong community. Fans gather at conventions, online forums, and fan clubs. They share their love for their favorite series. They create fan art, write fan fiction, and even cosplay as characters. This sense of community strengthens the bond between fans and anime.

The music in anime is also noteworthy. Opening and ending themes are often catchy and memorable. Many artists gain fame through their work in anime. These songs become hits, adding to the show's appeal.

Merchandise is another important aspect. Fans can buy figures, posters, and other items. This allows them to show their love for their favorite series. It also helps support the industry.

Anime has a significant impact on other media. It influences video games, movies, and even fashion. Many creators draw inspiration from anime. This cross-pollination helps keep the medium fresh and exciting.

The future of anime looks bright. New technologies will continue to improve the quality of animation. The global fanbase will likely keep growing. As long as there are stories to tell, anime will remain a beloved part of Japanese culture.

In conclusion, anime's journey from a niche form of entertainment to a global phenomenon is remarkable. Its unique art style, diverse genres, and emotional storytelling have won the hearts of many. The strong community and cultural significance ensure that anime will continue to thrive for years to come.

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