The definition of a classic anime series might vary depending on who you ask: some prefer advanced, high-quality animation, others will gravitate towards a specific genre, and some may choose a show for its character selection. What makes a classic stand out is objective, but generally, most audiences will agree they need to be well-written, compelling, and successful in conveying the message the story intends to represent. Popular anime shows from years past considered all-time classics include science fiction picks from the eighties, like Akira, or early 2000s shonen series, such as Naruto and One Piece. Another thing most viewers can also agree on is that a classic gains its status with age and time to contemplate how it changed, reinvented, or introduced something new to the medium.
Videos by ComicBook.com
Plenty of shows from over a decade past are already beginning to join the roster of classics; think Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, Death Note, and Hunter x Hunter. While the nostalgia of old series certainly can help boost their reputation, so many newer series have impressed anime fans enough to be called modern classics in the making. Shows from the past few years that have brought new ideas and life to anime, and ushered in great, new stories to rewatch and discuss for years to come. This list will discuss seven newer anime series that will almost certainly be included among the greats in the future.
7) Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku
Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku is a dark fantasy anime series that takes place in an inspired historical setting. Released in 2023, Hell’s Paradise currently has a single season, with a second season set to premiere in 2026. The show is considered part of Shonen Jump’s “Dark Trio”, which consists of gritty shonen anime series such as Jujutsu Kaisen and Chainsaw Man. Despite this, Hell’s Paradise didn’t get as much traction as other contemporary titles in the genre until recent years; it’s a shame, because the show offers a clean, compact plot with gorgeous art and strong character motivation that sets it leagues above its counterparts. Themes explored in the series include redemption, the moral nature of immortality, good versus evil, and self-discovery.
In Hell’s Paradise, we meet Gabimaru the Hollow, an infamous ninja currently slated for execution to pay for his many crimes and wrongdoings. Instead of being killed, Gabimaru is offered an opportunity that may allow him to receive a pardon and return home to his wife. He must travel to the legendary island of Shinsenkyō, a dangerous place that is said to hide the secret to the Elixir of Life. Gabimaru must face the unknown perils of the island alongside his assigned executioner, Sagiri, and uncover the secrets of Shinsenkyō, which lead back to the shogunate itself.
6) Dr. Stone
Dr. Stone is an awesome anime series that blends science fiction and fantasy genres. The show was released in 2019 and has a total of four seasons, with the final season concluding in 2026. Dr. Stone has been praised for its unique concept, developed world-building, and use of science within its power-scaling system. The show addresses complex topics such as the power of information, scientific discovery, maintaining hope, and rebuilding. Additionally, the anime has a vibrancy to its art and animation style that brings to life the characters and setting in a way that immerses the audience completely.
The plot of Dr. Stone is set 3700 years in the future, after a mysterious flash of light is followed by a global disaster that turns the entire human population into stone statues. Senku Ishigami, a scientific prodigy, remains awake in his confined, petrified state throughout the years until he’s able to wake himself from his forced slumber. Senku embarks on a journey to awaken other humans and cure the petrification that has decimated Earth. Along the way, Senku attempts to uncover the secret behind the flash of light that heralded the end of the world, relying on his best friend, Taiju, and his own knowledge.
5) Violet Evergarden
Violet Evergarden had the immediate feel of an anime classic when it was released, garnering widespread attention and a huge fan base. The show first aired back in 2018 with a singular season, containing only 13 episodes; additionally, the series was followed by two movies, Violet Evergarden: The Movie and Eternity and the Automemory Doll. It was praised for its fluid animation, breathtaking art, and intricate character development that occurred throughout its short run-time. Themes explored in the series include self-discovery, forgiveness, empathy, and the effects of trauma.
The story of Violet Evergarden revolves around the reflection and growth of its titular character, Violet. Following a four-year war, Violet returns from battle with injuries that require her to wear prosthetic limbs to recover and resume her normal life. She begins work as an Auto Memory Doll, a job that allows Violet to write letters for clients who cannot concisely express their emotions or thoughts. Traveling the country, Violet meets people from all walks of life as she performs her new job, learning to heal and move on from her past as a soldier.
4) Vinland Saga
Vinland Saga is an anime series that feels like it could be substituted as a historical epic. The show was released in 2019 and had a single season containing 24 episodes, with a second season that was released in 2023 with another 24 episodes. It’s been acknowledged for complex character dynamics, compelling character growth, and intense battle sequences that carry weight. Vinland Saga explores themes such as redemption, the search for peace, self-discovery, and the consequences of pursuing revenge.
The plot of Vinland Saga centers around Thorfinn, a young Viking whose father is brutally murdered by the infamous mercenary, Askeladd. Vowing revenge on his father’s killer, Thorfinn trains and grows until he’s old enough to join Askeladd’s band of mercenaries. In his attempt at getting closer to his target, Thorfinn experiences the horrors of war and the Viking lifestyle, prompting him to question whether his quest for vengeance is what he truly wants. Instead, Thorfinn begins to pursue the far-off dream of Vinland, a land of promised peace where his people can thrive in safety.
3) Demon Slayer
Demon Slayer is one of the biggest anime series out there right now, having taken the community by storm due to its unique setting, advanced animation style, and emotional plot. The anime was first released in 2021 and currently has four seasons; the final arc will be released in a movie trilogy spaced out over the next couple of years. Demon Slayer technically constitutes a dark fantasy series, but there are plenty of other genres mixed in, such as historical, adventure, and horror. Themes explored in the series include forgiveness, redemption, the ties of family, good versus evil, and personal growth.
The story of Demon Slayer is set in the historical Taisho period of Japan. Demons are a hidden threat in society, operating under the cover of darkness to consume humanity. Tanjiro and Nezuko Kamado live in a small village, enjoying an idyllic life with their family, until a demon attacks their home and slaughters everyone. Nezuko survives but is turned into a demon; consumed by grief and desperation, Tanjiro sets out to become a Demon Slayer, a swordsman trained to kill and hunt demons to protect humans from their evil. Along the way, Tanjiro hopes to search for a cure to Nezuko’s demonic state, while pursuing vengeance against the demon king who killed his family.
2) Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End has all the makings of an emotional, thought-provoking masterpiece. The anime series was released in 2023 with a 28-episode season; a second season has been scheduled to air sometime in 2026. This show is popular for a few reasons, namely exploration of the high fantasy genre, exploring philosophical and emotional questions, and the bonds between its main characters. The themes navigated throughout the show include time, the value of friendship, self-discovery, and the meaning of life.
The story of Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End revolves around its titular character, Frieren, an elven mage who defeated the evil Demon King with her party of adventurers. Promising to meet again in fifty years, Frieren parts ways with the group after the war, deciding to travel the world and train her magical capabilities. It’s not until the years pass that Frieren realizes her near-immortal state causes the passage of time to register differently. The show reflects on Frieren’s life in flashbacks, as she comes to terms with the changes in the world around her and those she cares for.
1) Attack on Titan
Attack on Titan is technically one of the older offers on this list, but its conclusion happened recently enough that it was included on this list. This series is arguably one of the most discussed modern anime, kick-starting a new era of shonen series that grew notably darker and more gritty. The anime was first released in 2013, with the fourth and final season ending in 2023. It explores important themes such as the struggle for freedom, oppression, the inherent violence of war, and cyclical revenge.
The plot of Attack on Titan is set in a historically-based fantasy world where humanity resides behind three large walls to protect them from an outside threat; this threat is the Titans, humanoid figures of epic proportion that kill and eat humans on sight. Eren Yeager resides in the outermost wall with his family and friends, until the wall outside of their village is breached by attacking Titans with terrifyingly human-like intelligence. After witnessing the brutal death of his mother, Eren vows to kill all Titans, a pledge that leads him to join the Survey Corps, a scouting regiment that ventures beyond the walls to discover clues on how to defeat the Titans.
Have you seen any of the series on this list? Tell us what anime you’d consider modern classics in the comments below.
Most Viewed
-
Warner Bros. Animation / Cartoon Network Studios -
Image Courtesy of Shueisha
