One of the fastest-growing media industries is anime, with viewers once viewing them as children’s cartoons.
This list acknowledges the most important anime in television history, meaning no movies will be included.
The titular video game has drawn massive numbers, serving as the most realistic virtual reality game.
Image via Toonami
Many fans are probably scoffing at the selection ofSword Art Online.
It almostsingle-handedly introduced a new generation of anime fansto the medium.
Created byRumiko Takahashi, who’s also behindInuYashaandRanma 1/2,Urusei Yatsurawas her first popular work.
Image from A-1 Pictures
Western viewers don’t understand many aspects of anime, andUrusei Yatsurapopularized most of them.
The show isa revolutionary romance anime, changing the landscape and altering anime.
With such a long runtime, it is bound to be an essential anime.
While another famous shonen anime influenced it,One Pieceelevated the shonen genre and continues to influence newer shows.
TheGundamfranchise isn’t just a long-running anime series but also a massive merchandise market that popularized Gunpla.
Gundam has deep cultural significance,andGunpla is a significant market tied to Japan.
Image via ufotable
One such show isSailor Moon, a popular anime tied to millions of fans' childhood memories.
She must use her newfound abilities to find the rest of her allies and prevent the world’s destruction.
Despite many censorship efforts by Western companies,Sailor Moonis stilla staple anime that inspired countless young girls.
Thus, it isan important and influential show culturally and critically.
Doraemonis culturally significant in Japan, serving as a constant show that taught kids for decades.
Doraemon is not available to stream or purchase in the US and Canada.
Image via Pierrot
Itdefined anime and became a symbol of post-war Japan, incorporating themes that would relate to the Japanese people.
However, their most important series isDragon Ball Z, theiconic anime that everyone around the world knows.
Image via Crunchyroll
Image via Toei Animation
Image via Sunrise
Image via Toei Animation
Image via Mushi Production
Image via Toei Animation
