Disclaimer: The order doesn’t mean one is better than another — they’re all gems in their own way. This list is purely based on my personal taste, so feel free to disagree!
Every year, countless anime are released. Some are good, some not so much — but every once in a while, we get a true masterpiece. A story that blows people’s minds and leaves them speechless.
So here’s my list of the top 13 anime you must watch before you die.
I’ve tried my best to pick anime from different genres to keep this list as diverse as possible.
What would you do if you found a notebook that lets you kill anyone just by writing their name in it? That’s what happens to Light Yagami, a brilliant high school student who’s tired of all the crime and corruption around him. When he discovers the Death Note, dropped by a bored Shinigami named Ryuk, he decides to use it to create a better world — one without criminals.
But soon, Light starts killing people under the name “Kira”, becoming a mysterious figure both feared and admired across the world. To stop him, a genius detective known only as L steps in. What follows is a thrilling mind game between two of the smartest characters in anime — L, determined to catch Kira before more lives are lost, and Kira, trying to uncover who L really is and eliminate him.
If you love psychological thrillers and intense rivalry, Death Note is a must-watch.
Imagine living your whole life locked inside gigantic walls — always safe, always afraid. That’s how it is for Eren Yeager and his friends Mikasa and Armin. One day, a monster bigger than anything anyone has seen — the Colossal Titan — breaks through their home’s wall. The world they knew is destroyed, Eren’s mother is lost, and with that pain, Eren promises something: to fight every Titan and reclaim freedom.
He joins the Survey Corps — tough soldiers who go beyond the walls to face Titans, learn their secrets, and protect what’s left of humanity. But as Eren and his friends dig deeper, they discover the truth isn’t simple. It’s filled with betrayal, mysteries, and danger not just from without, but from within.
If you love powerful stories of survival, shocking twists, and characters who never give up, Attack on Titan is something you absolutely must watch.
Attack on Titan is more than just an action anime — it’s an emotional rollercoaster that will leave you speechless till the very end
Tanjiro Kamado is a kindhearted boy living a simple life, selling charcoal and taking care of his family. But one day, everything changes. A demon attacks his home, killing his family and turning his sister Nezuko into a demon. Despite this tragedy, Tanjiro refuses to give up on her. He vows to become a demon slayer and find a way to turn Nezuko back into a human.
Along the way, Tanjiro faces powerful demons, discovers unique breathing techniques, and meets brave companions who join him on his journey. Each battle challenges him, teaching him courage, compassion, and the strength to keep fighting, even when the odds seem impossible. Tanjiro’s journey is not just about defeating demons — it’s about protecting what he loves, never losing hope, and discovering the humanity that shines even in the darkest places.
If you love beautifully animated battles, emotional storytelling, and characters with unwavering determination, Demon Slayer is an anime you absolutely must watch.
Shoyo Hinata may be small, but he dreams big — he wants to become a top volleyball player, inspired by a legendary player known as “The Little Giant.” In middle school, he faces defeat against the team led by the amazing setter, Tobio Kageyama, but he refuses to give up. When they both end up at the same high school, Karasuno High, they’re forced to work together despite their rivalry.
With determination, teamwork, and a love for the game, Hinata and Kageyama lead Karasuno through tough matches, fierce opponents, and countless challenges. Along the way, they form strong bonds with teammates who each have their own dreams and struggles. Haikyuu!! isn’t just about volleyball — it’s about pushing your limits, learning from failure, and discovering how far passion and friendship can take you.
If you enjoy heart-pounding matches, inspiring teamwork, and characters who never give up, Haikyuu!! is a must-watch anime for anyone who loves sports and determination.
Dr. Kenzo Tenma, a talented Japanese neurosurgeon working in Germany, makes a life-altering decision when he chooses to save the life of a young boy named Johan Liebert over that of a powerful politician. This choice leads to his fall from grace, as he loses his position, his fiancée, and his reputation. Years later, Tenma's life is turned upside down when he discovers that Johan has grown into a remorseless serial killer, orchestrating a series of brutal murders across Europe.
Haunted by the consequences of his past decision, Tenma embarks on a relentless journey to stop Johan and unravel the dark secrets of his creation. Along the way, he encounters a cast of complex characters, each with their own motives and connections to Johan's twisted path. As Tenma delves deeper into the mystery, he grapples with profound questions about morality, the nature of evil, and the thin line between savior and monster.
If you're drawn to psychological thrillers that explore the depths of the human psyche, Monster is an anime that will keep you on the edge of your seat, challenging your perceptions and leaving a lasting impact.
This anime looks innocent at first, but don’t let the soft art style fool you — The Promised Neverland is one of the most intense psychological thrillers out there. The story follows Emma, Norman, and Ray, three brilliant kids living in what seems like a perfect orphanage. They have loving caretakers, delicious meals, comfortable beds, and a peaceful life surrounded by younger siblings.
But everything changes the day they uncover a horrifying truth that flips their entire world upside down.
What begins as a sweet, cheerful atmosphere suddenly turns into a deadly game of survival, strategy, and trust. Every episode keeps the tension rising as these children try to stay one step ahead in a world where a single mistake could cost everything.
This anime shines because of its sharp twists, high-stakes suspense, and brilliant character dynamics. It’s the kind of show that hooks you instantly and makes you root for the characters with your whole heart. If you’re into clever escape plots, emotional tension, and constant edge-of-your-seat moments, this one definitely deserves a spot on your list.
Rintarou Okabe, a self-proclaimed "mad scientist," spends his days in Akihabara running the Future Gadget Laboratory with his friends Mayuri and Daru. Their latest invention—a microwave that turns bananas into a green gel—seems like a joke until they discover it can send text messages back in time. This accidental breakthrough sets off a chain of events that spirals into a complex web of time travel, alternate realities, and hidden organizations.
As Okabe and his friends experiment with sending "D-mails" to the past, they unknowingly attract the attention of SERN, a powerful group researching time travel. The consequences of their actions become painfully clear when tragedy strikes, and Okabe finds himself repeatedly traveling back in time to prevent the unthinkable. Along the way, he forms a deep bond with Kurisu Makise, a brilliant neuroscientist, and together they navigate the perilous waters of time manipulation, facing moral dilemmas and the weight of their choices.
If you're drawn to intricate plots, emotional storytelling, and the philosophical questions surrounding time and fate, Steins;Gate is an anime that will keep you thinking long after the credits roll.
Edward and Alphonse Elric are brothers who live in a world where alchemy is a powerful science. After a failed attempt to bring their mother back to life using alchemy, Edward loses an arm and a leg, and Alphonse loses his entire body — his soul bound to a suit of armor. Determined to restore what they’ve lost, the brothers set out on a journey to find the legendary Philosopher’s Stone, a mysterious object that could make their wish possible.
Along the way, they uncover dark secrets about the world, face powerful enemies, and discover the truth about the very forces that govern alchemy. Their adventure is filled with action, humor, heartbreak, and moral dilemmas, as they learn that nothing comes without a price. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is not just a story about magic and battles — it’s about family, sacrifice, and the pursuit of truth.
If you enjoy epic adventures, deep characters, and a story that balances action, emotion, and philosophy perfectly, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is a must-watch.
Ken Kaneki is a shy college student who loves reading books and living a quiet life. But everything changes after a chance encounter with a ghoul — a mysterious creature that feeds on humans. Kaneki barely survives an attack, only to wake up to a horrifying truth: he has become half-ghoul, forced to live between the human world and the dangerous, violent world of ghouls.
Struggling with his new identity, Kaneki must learn to control his powers, face ruthless ghouls, and survive in a society that fears and hunts creatures like him. Along the way, he meets allies and enemies, each with their own struggles, shaping his understanding of humanity, morality, and what it truly means to survive.
If you enjoy dark, emotional stories filled with action, inner conflict, and moral dilemmas, Tokyo Ghoul is an anime that will grip you from start to finish.
Soma Yukihira has always dreamed of surpassing his father in the kitchen. Working in his father’s small diner, he’s learned all the tricks of cooking through hard work, creativity, and a bit of mischief. But when he’s sent to Totsuki Culinary Academy — an elite school where only the best survive — Soma discovers that cooking here is nothing like he’s ever experienced.
At Totsuki, students face intense cooking battles called shokugeki, where one mistake can mean expulsion. Soma must constantly push his limits, face fierce rivals, and impress the toughest judges — all while staying true to his own unique style. Through determination, friendship, and lots of creative cooking, Soma shows that passion and skill can turn any dish into an unforgettable masterpiece.
If you love high-energy battles, incredible food, and a story full of ambition and humor, Food Wars! is a must-watch anime that will leave you hungry for more.
Ryuu Yamada is a troublemaker at Suzaku High School, always getting into fights and avoiding class. One day, a strange accident changes everything: he kisses a classmate, Urara Shiraishi, and discovers he can swap bodies with her! Soon, Yamada learns that Suzaku High hides a secret — there are seven witches, each with unique powers that can be activated through a kiss.
Curious and mischievous, Yamada sets out to find all the witches, uncover their abilities, and solve the mysteries behind the school’s supernatural phenomena. Along the way, he forms unexpected friendships, faces hilarious situations, and experiences a mix of romance, comedy, and high school drama.
If you enjoy fun, lighthearted stories with a touch of supernatural mystery and romance, Yamada-kun and the Seven Witches is a must-watch anime that’s both entertaining and charming.
Hachiman Hikigaya is a high school student with a cynical view of life and a sharp tongue, always keeping people at a distance. Forced to join the Service Club by his teacher, he’s teamed up with the beautiful and intelligent Yukino Yukinoshita, along with the cheerful Yui Yuigahama. Their mission? To help fellow students with their problems — but Hachiman quickly realizes that solving people’s issues isn’t simple and often leads to more complications.
Through awkward encounters, social dilemmas, and unexpected friendships, Hachiman learns about himself, relationships, and the complexities of teenage life. The series is filled with humor, insight, and moments that make you reflect on life, making it more than just a typical high school story.
If you enjoy smart, heartfelt, and sometimes painfully real stories about growing up and human connections, My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU is a must-watch
Yugo Hachiken is a city boy who enrolls in an agricultural high school, hoping for an easy life away from academic pressure. But he quickly discovers that farm life is much tougher than he imagined — from early mornings and hard labor to understanding livestock, crops, and the value of hard work.
As Hachiken navigates this new world, he forms strong friendships, learns important life lessons, and discovers his own strengths and passions. Silver Spoon combines humor, heart, and real-life lessons, showing that growth often comes from unexpected challenges and experiences.
If you enjoy heartfelt stories about self-discovery, friendship, and the struggles and joys of rural life, Silver Spoon is an anime that’s both entertaining and inspiring.
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