Anime has come a long way from its early beginnings, evolving into a global phenomenon with diverse genres, complex storytelling, and innovative animation techniques. Over the decades, certain anime series have left an indelible mark, reshaping not just the medium but also how audiences experience and interact with it. These series didn’t just entertain the world—they redefined the genre, introduced groundbreaking concepts, and influenced creators for years to come.
Without further ado, here are the Top 10 anime series that revolutionized the genre:
1. Neon Genesis Evangelion (1995)
Get in the robot, Shinji! Directed by Hideaki Anno, Neon Genesis Evangelion broke the mold of mecha anime by infusing it with deep psychological and philosophical themes. The series used giant robot battles as a vehicle to explore complex issues like identity, depression, and human existence, challenging traditional storytelling in anime. Evangelion‘s willingness to delve into the inner struggles of its characters, paired with its ambiguous and sometimes non-linear narrative, set a new standard for how anime could address mature, existential themes.
Why It Revolutionized the Genre:
- Elevated mecha anime from action-based to character-driven, with a focus on psychological and emotional depth.
- Pioneered experimental narrative techniques, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy.
- Sparked a trend toward darker, more introspective anime that tackled mental health and societal issues.
2. Dragon Ball Z (1989)
What young boy in the 90s didn’t want to be Goku at some point? Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball Z took the foundation of Dragon Ball and supercharged it into a global phenomenon that would define shonen anime for decades (as well as introduce the term “brolic” into the weightlifting community). The series popularized high-stakes battles, dramatic power-ups, and extended fight sequences, creating an action-packed template that is now synonymous with the shonen genre. Its worldwide success played a pivotal role in introducing anime to Western audiences, setting the stage for future international hits.
Why It Revolutionized the Genre:
- Codified the shonen action formula, with its iconic power-ups, rivalries, and training arcs.
- Brought serialized storytelling to the forefront, with cliffhangers and multi-episode fights becoming the norm.
- Created a blueprint for future shonen series like Naruto, One Piece, and Bleach, ensuring its lasting legacy in the genre.
3. Cowboy Bebop (1998)
See you, Space Cowboy… Cowboy Bebop, directed by Shinichiro Watanabe, transcended the boundaries of anime with its genre-blending narrative, mixing science fiction, Western, film noir, and jazz influences. Premiering in the U.S. on Cartoon Network’s soon-to-be-legendary Adult Swim, it is now recognized as a veritable cultural touchstone. Its mature, episodic storytelling appealed to older audiences, both in Japan and internationally. By embracing adult themes, complex characters, and a unique visual style, Cowboy Bebop became a gateway anime for Western audiences, demonstrating that anime could resonate beyond a niche fanbase.
Why It Revolutionized the Genre:
- Demonstrated that anime could be sophisticated and appeal to adult audiences through its thematic depth and character focus.
- Seamlessly blended genres to create a fresh narrative style, influencing both anime and Western media.
- Helped anime break into mainstream Western consciousness, particularly through its presence on Adult Swim.
4. Akira (1988)
One word to describe it? Wow. Katsuhiro Otomo’s Akira is way more than just an anime film—it is a landmark in global animation history. This cyberpunk masterpiece, with its richly detailed animation and dystopian themes, showed the world that anime could be a serious, mature art form, not just for kids. Akira’s complex narrative and groundbreaking animation techniques inspired a generation of creators in film, animation, and graphic novels, especially in the realm of science fiction.
Why It Revolutionized the Genre:
- Demonstrated that anime could explore mature themes like politics, revolution, and existential crises on a grand scale.
- Pushed the boundaries of animation technology, with unparalleled attention to detail and fluidity.
- Sparked a wave of cyberpunk and dystopian narratives in anime, influencing works like Ghost in the Shell and Psycho-Pass.
5. Sailor Moon (1992)
In the name of the moon, I’ll punish you! Naoko Takeuchi’s Sailor Moon brought the magical girl genre into the global spotlight, reimagining it for a broader audience by blending superhero action with heartfelt character development. Unlike its predecessors, Sailor Moon introduced a team dynamic, where multiple magical girls worked together to save the world. This series not only inspired future magical girl anime but also helped bridge the gap between shoujo (girls’ anime) and shonen (boys’ anime), appealing to a wide demographic.
Why It Revolutionized the Genre:
- Elevated the magical girl genre from simple fantasy to a mainstream cultural phenomenon.
- Established the “magical girl team” dynamic, influencing later series like Cardcaptor Sakura and Pretty Cure.
- Created a lasting impact on both shoujo and shonen anime, particularly with its blend of romance, action, and friendship.
6. Attack on Titan (2013)
If you’re looking for some absolutely brutal death scenes on this list, look no further. Hajime Isayama’s Attack on Titan turned shonen anime on its head with its bleak, dystopian world and relentless tension. The show’s unpredictable plot twists, graphic violence, and exploration of humanity’s darker impulses made it stand out in a genre that typically celebrates heroism and perseverance. The series’ darker, more mature tone helped usher in a new era of gritty anime that weren’t afraid to challenge conventions.
Why It Revolutionized the Genre:
- Pioneered a more violent, intense narrative in mainstream shonen anime.
- Showed that anime could tackle complex themes of fear, survival, and human nature while still appealing to broad audiences.
- Its global success paved the way for more mature shonen anime, influencing series like Tokyo Ghoul and Parasyte.
7. Mobile Suit Gundam (1979)
The mecha franchise that started it all. Mobile Suit Gundam, directed by Yoshiyuki Tomino, redefined the mecha genre by introducing the concept of “real robots” as opposed to the earlier “super robot” shows. This shift meant that the mecha in Gundam were tools of war, subject to the same physical and political limitations as any other weapon. The series’ focus on the harsh realities of war, political intrigue, and morally ambiguous characters laid the foundation for countless future mecha series, including numerous Gundam shows.
Why It Revolutionized the Genre:
- Shifted the mecha genre from fantastical heroics to realistic warfare and political complexity.
- Introduced the “real robot” genre, which became a staple in mecha anime.
- Influenced later mecha anime such as Code Geass and Eureka Seven by exploring the emotional and ethical costs of war.
8. Naruto (2002)
Of course Naruto is on this list! And for good reason: Naruto, created by Masashi Kishimoto, redefined shonen anime in the 21st century by focusing on the personal growth of its characters. The series explored complex themes such as perseverance, friendship, and the weight of legacy. Naruto’s intricate battle strategies, deep mentor-student relationships, and world-building around ninja culture set it apart from its predecessors, making it one of the most influential shonen anime of its era and creating a whole new wave of otaku.
Why It Revolutionized the Genre:
- Popularized the character-driven, long-running shonen anime format with deep emotional arcs.
- Introduced a layered world-building approach that elevated the standard for future shonen series.
- Achieved widespread international success, reinforcing anime’s place in mainstream pop culture and making shonen anime a dominant genre globally.
9. Ghost in the Shell (1995)
Another cultural juggernaut in a list full of them, but perhaps only Akira surpasses it in terms of sheer influence. Directed by Mamoru Oshii, Ghost in the Shell tackled philosophical questions about technology, artificial intelligence, and identity long before such topics became mainstream. The anime delved into the merging of humanity and machine in a future dominated by cybernetics, inspiring both anime creators and Western filmmakers alike. Its influence is clearly visible in major sci-fi films such as 1999’s The Matrix.
Why It Revolutionized the Genre:
- Explored complex themes of consciousness, identity, and technology that elevated anime as a serious medium.
- Helped define the cyberpunk genre in both anime and Western science fiction.
- Influenced numerous works in both anime and Hollywood, particularly in the realm of science fiction.
10. One Piece (1999)
Famously long, famously epic, and famously endearing, One Piece crosses generational boundaries at this point. Eiichiro Oda’s One Piece has grown into an international phenomenon—not just because of its longevity but due to its vibrant world-building and emotional storytelling. The series successfully blends action, adventure, humor, and heartfelt moments, showing that shonen anime can be both thrilling and emotionally rich. One Piece continues to influence new generations of shonen anime with its expansive lore, inventive characters, and themes of loyalty, freedom, and dreams.
Why It Revolutionized the Genre:
- Pushed the boundaries of long-running shonen anime, demonstrating that extensive world-building and evolving narratives could captivate audiences for decades.
- Showed that a balance of humor, action, and emotional depth could be sustained across hundreds of episodes.
- Set a high standard for storytelling and character development in shonen anime.
Final Thoughts
These are just 10 anime series that reshaped the genre, pushing the boundaries of storytelling, animation, and character development. From groundbreaking explorations of psychological depth to intricate world-building, anime has grown and matured as an artform. These shows (and many more!) are just a taste of what the anime world has to offer.
