Dragon Ballis arguably the most popularanimeof all time, as it popularized and created many common tropes, while also introducing a new generation of fans to the medium. Its reach, history, and influence are unparalleled, for the most part, and it remains a mainstay of pop culture. However, that is not to say there aren’t shows that are as important, with many series having similar influence to help shape the industry and community.
AlthoughDragon Ballis the most influential, many other anime series have also contributed to shaping the medium’s legacy.This list will rank ten anime series as important asDragon Ball,based on theirinfluence, groundbreaking techniques, relevance, impact on the community, critical and financial success, and essential aspects. They might not share many themes beyond the medium that houses them, but these series are equal toToriyama’s masterpiece.
10’Neon Genesis Evangelion' (1995)
Created by Hideaki Anno
Not every revolutionary show needs to be the next big battle shōnen; in fact, many genre-defining anime shows aren’t the most typical, but the most extravagant and unorthodox.Neon Genesis Evangelionexcels in that regard, as it follows Shinji, a teenager who is the only hope in preventing the apocalypse, but first must battle his inner demons and struggles.
While the finale movie is one of thehighest-rated anime movies, the show is just as prestigious.Neon Genesis Evangelionshaped sci-fi and mecha animefor this era, forever changing the genre by breaking it down and rebuilding it. The anime alsopopularized mental health and expressionism in future projects, cementing its legacy as one of the most important mature anime series.
Neon Genesis Evangelion
9’Yu Yu Hakusho' (1992)
Created by Yoshihiro Togashi
While most fans preferYoshihiro Togashi’s newer work,Hunter x Hunter,his most important project isYu Yu Hakusho. After prematurely dying, the afterlife isn’t ready for Yusuke, which prompts them to send him on a series of tasks that will restore his life if he completes them. He now works as a spirit detective, maintaining the fragile balance between spirits and humans.
This classic series has somehow become an underrated and overlooked masterpiece, but that doesn’t diminish its incredible legacy and important influence. Itchallenged and reinvented the idea of a masculine protagonistwho is angry, brash, but still loyal and honorable.Yu Yu Hakushoalso popularized the tournament arc, one of the most beloved tropes in anime, which was also popularized byDragon Ball, helping it becomea legendary 1990s anime.
Yu Yu Hakusho
8’Naruto' (2002)
Created by Masashi Kishimoto
Each generation has its flagship battle shōnen; it wasDragon Ballin the 1980s andYu Yu Hakushoin the 1990s, but the 2000s had multiple, withNarutoarguably being the most popular. The titular character sets off on a journey to become the leader of his ninja village, but to accomplish his goal, Naruto needs to shed his bad habits and prove his dedication through hard work.
Narutois the best anime forDragon Ballfans as the former was inspired by the latter, using many established tropes. However,Narutoused and modified them for a new generation, inspiring countless new anime fans.It popularized the central trio tropewith the energetic protagonist, the gloomy side character, and the girl who keeps everyone in line.Naruto’spopularity is enough to be essential, but itsthemes and narrative methods also define the anime genre.
7’Doraemon' (1979)
Created by Fujiko F. Fujio
Most people think ofDragon BallandNarutowhen imagining important anime, but kids' shows are the origin of animation, and thus contain some of the most essential and defining series.Doraemonis a staple kids' show that follows the titular alien cat coming to Earth to help Nobita make the right decisions, as he somehow ends up destroying the universe in the future otherwise.
Doraemonis an inspirational animeseries designed to teach children good habits and respect. While Western fans may not have experienced it,this show is widely influential in Japan, with most children growing up with thousands ofDoraemonepisodes. The impact of kids' shows cannot be overstated, especially in a medium like anime, andDoraemonis undoubtedlythe most significant due to its influence and popularity.
6’Bleach' (2004)
Created by Tite Kubo
The Big Three dominated the early 2000s all the way into the 2010s, but the least popular finally returned to screens in the 2020s with a grand entrance.Bleachnever received its due diligence until recently, and now it has become one of the most popular anime series, thanks to its stylized action and invigorating animation.
WhileNarutomay be more well-known, popular, and critically acclaimed,Bleachhas surprisingly had more significance, specifically in the modern day.Bleachhas many great arcs, but fans can see itsinfluence through the urban fantasy genre, which it popularized, spawning shows such asJujutsu KaisenandChainsaw Man. Praised for its complexity,Bleachalmost occupies a category by itself, becoming an outright institution within the anime medium.
5’Sailor Moon' (1992)
Created by Naoko Takeuchi
Most of the shows on this list have been predominantly male-oriented, as anime is a medium mostly targeted towards teenage males. However, the female demographic remains significant, andSailor Moonwas the introduction to anime for many young girls. After gaining magical girl powers, Usagi must help protect the world, a responsibility that is more challenging than she thought.
Sailor Moonis a pop-culture icon, making its way into the public domain through its revolutionary storytelling and relatable characters. Itredefined the female heroine in cartoons, paved the way for future female-driven stories, andpretty much invented the magical girl subgenre, making it an important andinfluential anime series.Sailor Moonis a classic that has inspired countless people, showcasing its charm through grace and goofiness.
Sailor Moon
4’One Piece' (1999)
Created by Eiichiro Oda
As previously mentioned, the Big Three dominated anime, and the most important isOne Piece, which is shockingly still airing and is showing no signs of slowing down. Luffy aims to be King of the Pirates, but to do so, he must build a reputation and a crew, which he does by sailing the seas, saving people, and taking down evil pirates and marines.
One Piece’s length is unprecedented for a continuous story, and it only seems to be getting better. It is unpredictable and somehow manages to connect its thousands of characters to a long-running plot with intricate lore and worldbuilding, creating the most expansive anime experiences.One Pieceis one of thegreatest anime series of all time, and itsimportance only grows as time goes on.
3’Pokémon' (1997)
Created by Satoshi Tajiri
Pokémonis the largest media franchise in the world, thanks to its merchandise, trading card game, and video games; however, its TV show is just as important, serving as a landmark for anime. With the start of each new generation, Ash and Pikachu venture to a new location, where they encounter distinct creatures, eccentric characters, and dastardly foes, as they battle their way to the top of the league.
While the anime isn’t as significant asPokémon’sother properties, it is still an important series that wasmany fans' introduction to anime. Everyone hastheir favorite Pokémon, and creating such an enriching and lovable world is a task established by the anime, which brought thePokémonto life. Filled with wonder and curiosity,Pokémonisthe definitive children’s anime that everyone can get behind.
2’Mobile Suit Gundam' (1979)
Created by Yoshiyuki Tomino
While it isn’t the oldest anime on this list, it is up there, and that alone should speak to its relevance in establishing anime as a serious medium.Mobile Suit Gundamhas many iterations and storylines, but they all have similar themes of war, political tension, and sci-fi elements.
While the sci-fi and mecha genres aren’t as big as they used to be,Gundampopularized anime staples and remains one of the most influential. As one of the earliest popular anime, itpioneered many early techniques and storytelling formats. It was popular with both men and women, even kicking off a successful merchandise empire, proving itsimportance on and off the screen.
Mobile Suit Gundam
1’Astro Boy' (1963)
Created by Osamu Tezuka
Remember when this list saidDragon Ballis arguably the most important anime?Astro Boyis the only other series realistically in that conversation and debate. After the death of his son, a scientist creates an exact replica, but can’t give it the same love. The young android now serves as a protector of peace and good, saving people from danger and defeating dangerous enemies.
Osamu Tezukais considered the father of anime and manga, andAstro Boywasthe series that started it all, making it more than necessary to the medium. While future shows would perfect techniques and tropes,Astro Boydeserves credit forbeginning anime, coining its iconic style and look, and laying the groundwork for decades of future series. Outside ofDragon Ball, Astro Boyis themost important anime series of all timeand a revered masterpiece of the medium.
