While anime can be difficult to get into for newcomers as some shows are pretty hard-to-watch, there are some anime thathave no bad episodes. Just like any TV series that has aired on television, not every anime is perfect, but some come close. This list has only grown alongside the popularity of anime across the globe. So many iconic stories have stood the test of time and are now treasured pieces of art in the animated medium. So if you are looking for knockout series, well - anime has you covered.
Every once in a while, an anime will come along that has top-tier episodes from start to finish with no bad episodes whatsoever. This is not the case for all shows, sadly. Some hit anime series have a string of bad episodes despite the praise they have received from fans. Shows likeOne PieceandDragon Ball Zare laden with fillers, making it hard for some newcomers to stick around for the better arcs. There’s no short supply of disappointing episodes out there, but below, we have singled out some of the medium’s best offerings.
Ranma 1/2
Cast
In this comedic series, martial artist Ranma Saotome navigates life with a unique predicament: he transforms into a girl when splashed with cold water. His engagement to Akane Tendo adds further complexity, as they encounter numerous challenges within familial and martial arts dynamics.
One of the most recent anime series to make waves is the long-awaited remake of Rumiko Takahashi’s gender-bending story,Ranma 1/2.The show,which has become an icon for the LGBTQ+ community, hit the ground running with a stellar first set of episodes.Unlike the classic anime adaptation from the ’80s and ’90s, this remake does away with a lot of the filler that infamously dragged its predecessorand instead sticks closer to the original manga for a better storyline. This adaptation has been welcomed wholeheartedly by fans with gorgeous visuals that make it a fun retelling of Ranma’s story.
Of course, it’s still too early to say that the anime will remain this perfect. There’s still a lot more to come in the episodes ahead when the second season drops, andthere are some infamous characters from the manga that have yet to be introduced.This includesthe story’s most problematic character, Hipposai, who has yet to make his first appearance in the anime remake. Until then, however, the remake ofRanma 1/2is a strong watch with every episode being a hit, making it something fans of the original anime and manga won’t want to miss.
Ouran High School Host Club
Ouran High School Host Club is a 2006 anime series centered around Haruhi Fujioka, a scholarship student at the prestigious Ouran Academy. Mistaken for a boy, Haruhi joins the school’s Host Club, where handsome boys entertain female students. The series explores themes of friendship, identity, and social class, and features a diverse cast of characters including the charming Tamaki Suoh and the stoic Kyoya Ootori.
Ouran High School Host Clubis an anime that practically defined 2000s shojo with its lovable characters and zany comedy, making itone of the medium’s most beloved romantic comedies.However, what makes it work is the chemistry between the hosts and their new addition, Haruhi- a girl who pledges to work for them as a host after accidentally destroying an expensive vase. There’s so much to love about the series, and no episode feels like time is wasted. They’re all incredibly entertaining with enough laugh-out-loud moments to make the series worth revisiting.
Of course, while there aren’t any bad episodes, there are some things that haven’t aged gracefully. Haruhi’s father, in particular, is a sticking point for some fans as a lot of his humor stems from him cross-dressing. Despite a couple of things that feel outdated 20-years later,Ouran High School Host Clubis an iconic series that still holds up well to this day.
Spy X Family
“Spy × Family” is a popular Japanese manga and anime franchise that blends action, comedy, and spy elements. The story follows Twilight, a secret agent tasked with creating a fake family to carry out a mission, unaware that his “wife” is an assassin and his adopted “daughter” is a telepath. The series, praised for its humor, heartwarming moments, and dynamic characters, has expanded to include anime adaptations, a feature film, and various merchandise.
Spy x Familyhas become an instant classic among anime fans, and after watching just the first episode, it’s easy to see why.This series following the Forgers - a fake family composed of a spy, an assassin and a telepath - is relentlessly entertaining from the moment the premise is dropped. Every episode has at least one moment that will have viewers either dying laughing or tugging at their heart from the adorable chemistry between the characters. There’s never a dull moment in this show, making it endlessly re-watchable.
Of course, the true heart of the series lies with the Forgers themselves. Loid invokes a good number of laughs as a spy who does anything possible to blend in and protect his cover from being blown. Yor, who has quickly becomeone of anime’s most beloved heroines, delivers a beautiful blend of action and comedy as she attempts to keep her second job a secret from her family. Then there’s Anya, who is the emotional core of the show as she gives fans some of the sweetest moments in the series. With these three together,Spy x Familybecomes a special series that can’t be passed up.
Chainsaw Man
Chainsaw Man follows Denji, a young man burdened by debt, who teams up with his pet devil Pochita to fight devils under the yakuza’s control. Released in 2022, the series portrays Denji’s struggle to achieve his dream of living a simple, peaceful life.
Set in a world of demons and devils,Chainsaw Manhas become an action-packed series that has won over fans of classic anime likeDragon Ball Z.It follows a man named Denji as he acquires the power to become the Chainsaw Devil after the former Devil, Pochita, sacrifices himself to save his life. Soon after, Denji joins a band of Devil Hunters as they work to save Tokyo from incoming supernatural threats. It’s a show that balances serious character development and exaggerated levels of gore so perfectly that it has potential to rise up as the next great action series from Japan as it continues.
What makes this series stand out is its never ending sense of fun.The opening perfectly sets the tonefor the series as it features numerous film references and action sequences set to an epic song that makes it absolutely unskippable.From there, the series never slows down as it navigates Denji’s world with a grand sense of scale that can’t be rivaled.Even its slower moments feel worthwhile as characters such as Power and Aki get a chance to shine.Chainsaw Manis a gem of a series, and with every episode hitting the mark every time, it more than deserves a chance from anime fans.
Your Lie in April
Your Lie in April follows Kousei Arima, a piano prodigy who loses his ability to hear the piano after his mother’s death. His life changes when he meets Kaori Miyazono, a spirited violinist who helps him rediscover his passion for music. The series explores themes of loss, recovery, and the power of music in healing. The show stars Natsuki Hanae as Kousei and Risa Taneda as Kaori.
On the surface,Your Lie in Aprilseems like it could be an upbeat and sweet romance where a guy brings out the best in him after meeting a girl. However, the anime goes much further than what’s expected with a story that slowly becomes more tragic over time.The series follows Kōsei Arima, a young piano player who had a bright future in the art form until his mother sadly passed away. However, after meeting Kaori, another musical prodigy, she rekindles his talent and inspires him to return to his craft.
It’s a sweet set-up for a romantic comedy, but the more the story progresses, the sadder it becomes. Without delving into spoilers,Your Lie in Aprilbrilliantly leaves clues to its heart-wrenching finale that makes it one of the most tragic stories in the medium.Every episode sets up what’s to come so fluidly that the narrative progresses without a hitch. Then, when the biggest reveal happens close to the end, the payoff hits incredibly hard withone of the saddest moments in anime. It’s nearly impossible to sit through this anime without letting out a couple of tears, and it’s all thanks to a string of episodes that never waste time while telling a beautiful story.
Death Parade
Death Parade is an anime series where deceased individuals are judged through mysterious bar games to determine their eternal fate. In a bar known as Quindecim, bartender Decim oversees these games, exploring the depths of the human psyche and the morality of judgment.
This short and sweet series was the talk of many anime fans when it first debuted in 2015. Now, it’s still regarded as one of the best original series to come from Japan. The show follows a woman who assists Decim, an arbiter who decides the fate of people who die at the same time by having them play a series of twisted games. However, what has the potential to be an entertaining yet twisted series quickly becomes something more as the truth behind the games and the unnamed woman comes to light.
The best way to describeDeath Paradeis by comparing it to its opening credits. The series hasone of the most misleading OPs in anime historyas it boasts a catchy tune and flashy lights to draw the viewer in. Then, when the story really begins to unfold, it turns out the series is much darker than it’s letting on. The same goes for the show itself.Death Paradecan be fun to watch, but it’s the mystery underneath that makes it so compelling, making it something viewers can’t miss as each episode perfectly builds upon the last to create a satisfying payoff.
A Sign of Affection
A Sign of Affection follows college student Yuki Itose, who navigates the challenges of university life. When her senior, Itsuomi Nagi, assists her one day, he opens her eyes to a new world, sparking a blossoming romance between them in this pure love story.
Kicking off 2024, the anime adaptation of Suu Moroshita’s incredibly popular manga immediately struck a chord with viewers. The series stars a young deaf woman named Yuki as she meets Itsuomi, a man who has a fascination with languages. The two begin to see more of each other as Itsuomi becomes intrigued in learning sign language. However, as the two get closer, a romance begins to bloom.A Sign of Affectionis a brilliant love story that’s both wholesome and romantic, while also having a fine balance of comedy.However, it’s how the series pushes the boundaries of a rom-com that makes it so unique.
It’s incredibly rare to see disability as well-handled as this.A Sign of Affectionperfectly illustrates how people don’t let their disability stop them from finding love and happiness for themselves.Plus, it also doesn’t fall into the tropes of being “inspirational” to make non-disabled people feel better about themselves. Yuki feels like her own character, and while her deafness is part of who she is, it doesn’t define her. Every episode of the series feels like a breath of fresh air for not just romantic comedies, but disability representation as well.
Puella Magi Madoka Magica
Puella Magi Madoka Magica follows the story of middle school student Madoka Kaname and her transformation into a magical girl after encountering a mystical creature named Kyubey. Set in a seemingly ordinary world, the series delves into the psychological and moral implications of the magical girl contract, challenging the traditional norms of the genre. This anime is known for its dark themes and complex narrative structure.
There have been many series that have tried to find new ways to explore the Magical Girl subgenre, but absolutely none have come as close to perfection asPuella Magi Madoka Magica. It bends the rules of what a magical girl story can be by slowly setting up a typical plot, only to pull the rug out inan incredibly dark and shocking twist. From there,theseries continues down the rabbit hole as it explores darker themes such as depression and self-image to shed light on the hardships women face in modern society.
SinceMadoka Magica’s release, there have been a number of series trying to recapture what made the anime work.However, what a lot of them seem to miss is howMadoka Magicabalanced shock and horror with genuine emotion.Madoka’s journey as a depressed girl unsure of her direction in life makes her development as a magical girl even more interesting. It’s a story where she feels a sense of purpose, only to see the dark side of it when she comes face-to-face with reality. It’s a perfect series that continues to redefine subversive storytelling to this day.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood follows brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric who use alchemy in a quest to restore their bodies after a failed transmutation. The series explores themes of sacrifice, the consequences of ambition, and the quest for truth in a richly developed world.
What’s impressive aboutFullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhoodis how every episode continued to be great throughout the entire series.At 64 episodes, this show is easily the longest anime series out there with nothing but good episodes.After all, given the sci-fi fantasy plot that goes in supernatural directions, it could be easy for it to disappear into its own absurdity and lose viewers. However, the world-building behind the series is so well-handled that it keeps the audience’s attention with every passing episode.
What helps drive the series overall is its mystery and its characters.The overarching narrative surrounding the mystery of the Philosopher’s Stone makesBrotherhoodcompelling and suspenseful.Plus, the characters have become absolutely iconic with Edward and Alphonse being some of the best siblings in the medium. Balance this out with some well-animated action, and this is a adaptation of the manga that has become the definitive way to experience the story.
Cowboy Bebop
Cowboy Bebop is a 1998 animated series set in 2071, where humanity has colonized the Solar System following a catastrophic event. As crime surges, bounty hunters known as “Cowboys” are employed by the Inter Solar System Police to capture criminals in exchange for rewards.
Rounding things out is a series that’s brought up by fans constantly as a perfect starting point for newer anime fans.Cowboy Bebopis widely viewed as a masterpiece, and for good reason. Every single episode of the series is great, finding a perfect tonal balance between science fiction and westerns.It’s so popular thatfans are still asking the creator for a second seasoneven after 25 years, There’s simply nothing like this anime, and it all comes down to its storytelling and pace.
Cowboy Bebop’s story is far less action-packed than one would be led to believe. It’s an existential science fiction story that follows a group of bounty hunters looking to survive however they can. While they come into trouble time and again, the action isn’t the main purpose of the story.The true heart lies with how its characters deal with their situations and the past that haunts them.This makes every episode of the series an absolute must-watch as the series can be incredibly unpredictable, especially when it comes to the finale.Cowboy Bebopis the defining anime with no bad episodes, and it’s proof that not all stories in the medium are truly hard to watch.
