The Ultimate Guide to the Best Original Anime

Understanding Original Anime: What is it?

Streaming services offer a vast selection of original anime.

Have you ever wondered what original anime is? Simply put, original anime is an anime series that is not based on any pre-existing source material, such as a manga or light novel. Instead, the story, characters, and plot are created solely for the anime series.

One of the significant differences between original anime and adaptations is that original anime gives creators more flexibility and freedom to develop characters and storylines without being constrained by the source material’s limitations. This allows for more creative and unique storytelling, making original anime a favorite among fans.

Some of the most popular original anime series include “Cowboy Bebop,” “Neon Genesis Evangelion,” and “Puella Magi Madoka Magica.” These series have gained a massive following worldwide and have garnered critical acclaim for their unique storytelling and animation.

In the next section, we will discuss the criteria for selecting the best original anime to watch.

Criteria for Selecting the Best Original Anime

Fans can express their love for their favorite anime through merchandise.

With so many original anime series to choose from, it can be challenging to decide which ones to watch. To help you narrow down your choices, here are some essential criteria to consider when selecting the best original anime to watch.

Storyline and Plot

One of the most critical factors in selecting the best original anime is the storyline and plot. The plot should be engaging and well-structured, with a clear beginning, middle, and end. The storyline should be well-paced, with no plot holes or loose ends.

Character Development

Another crucial criterion for selecting the best original anime is the character development. The characters should be well-rounded and relatable, with distinct personalities and motivations. The character’s growth and development throughout the series should be evident, with each character having a purpose in the story.

Animation Quality

Animation quality is also an essential factor to consider when selecting the best original anime. The animation should be smooth, with vibrant colors and fluid movements. The attention to detail should be evident in the character designs, backgrounds, and special effects.

Music and Sound Effects

Music and sound effects play a significant role in creating the mood and atmosphere of an anime series. The soundtrack should be well-composed, with music that complements the tone of the series. The sound effects should also be well-executed, adding to the overall viewing experience.

Critical and Audience Reception

Finally, it is essential to consider the critical and audience reception of an original anime series. The series should have positive reviews from critics and audiences alike, indicating that it is a well-crafted and enjoyable series to watch.

By considering these criteria, you can be sure to select the best original anime series to watch that will provide you with a unique and engaging viewing experience.

Top 10 Best Original Anime of All Time

Are you in the mood for some top-notch anime? Look no further! Here are the top 10 best original anime series of all time that are a must-watch for any anime fan.

1. Cowboy Bebop

A classic series that follows the adventures of a group of bounty hunters as they travel through space. The show has a unique blend of action, humor, and drama, with a memorable soundtrack that will leave you humming for days.

2. Neon Genesis Evangelion

A series that has become a cultural phenomenon, Neon Genesis Evangelion is a mecha anime that explores the psychological struggles of its main characters as they try to save humanity from the brink of destruction.

3. Puella Magi Madoka Magica

Don’t let its cutesy appearance fool you; this magical girl series takes a dark turn and explores themes of sacrifice and selflessness. The show’s animation and music are top-notch, making it a visually stunning experience.

4. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

A series that needs no introduction, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is a masterfully crafted story that follows two brothers on their quest for the philosopher’s stone. The show has received critical acclaim for its strong characters, storytelling, and emotional depth.

5. Attack on Titan

A series that took the anime world by storm, Attack on Titan is a dystopian story about humanity’s fight against man-eating giants. The show’s animation and action sequences are breathtaking, and its plot twists will keep you on the edge of your seat.

6. Steins;Gate

A time-traveling masterpiece that explores the consequences of changing the past. The show’s complex story and characters have made it a fan favorite, and its emotional moments will leave you teary-eyed.

7. Code Geass

A political thriller that follows a young prince’s quest to overthrow his father’s tyrannical rule. The show’s plot twists and moral ambiguity make it a must-watch for any anime fan.

8. Psycho-Pass

A dystopian series that explores a world where people’s mental states are monitored to prevent crime. The show’s themes of justice and morality, combined with its animation and soundtrack, make it a standout series.

9. Death Note

A psychological thriller that follows a high school student who gains the power to kill anyone by writing their name in a notebook. The show’s cat-and-mouse game between its main characters, paired with its unique concept, makes it a must-watch.

10. Your Lie in April

A beautiful coming-of-age story that follows a young pianist and his journey to overcome his past trauma. The show’s animation and music, paired with its emotional storytelling, make it a must-watch for any anime fan.

Each of these series has something unique to offer and has stood the test of time, making them the best of the best in the world of original anime.

Honorable Mentions: Other Great Original Anime to Consider

While the top 10 best original anime series are undoubtedly worth watching, there are still many other great original anime series out there. Here are some honorable mentions that didn’t make the top 10 but are still worth watching:

1. Kill la Kill

“Kill la Kill” is a high-energy action-comedy anime set in a world where clothing is the source of power. The series follows Ryuko Matoi, a transfer student who is on a mission to find her father’s killer. Along the way, she teams up with a sentient sailor uniform named Senketsu to battle against the student council and their powerful Goku Uniforms.

2. Bungo Stray Dogs

“Bungo Stray Dogs” is a supernatural anime series that follows a group of detectives with unique abilities who solve crimes for the government. The series features a cast of characters inspired by famous Japanese authors such as Edgar Allan Poe and Osamu Daza

3. K-On!

“K-On!” is a slice-of-life anime series that follows four high school girls who join their school’s light music club. The series explores their friendship and the ups and downs of being in a band.

4. The Promised Neverland

“The Promised Neverland” is a horror-thriller anime series set in an orphanage where children are raised to become food for demons. The series follows a group of children who discover the dark truth behind their existence and plan to escape the orphanage.

5. Your Lie in April

“Your Lie in April” is a romantic drama anime series that follows a piano prodigy named Kosei Arima, who has lost the ability to hear the sound of his own piano after the death of his abusive mother. The series explores his journey towards healing and finding love through music.

These honorable mentions are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to great original anime series. We encourage you to explore and discover your own favorites.

Where to Watch the Best Original Anime

Now that you have a better understanding of what original anime is and what to look for when selecting the best ones, you may be wondering where to watch them. Fortunately, there are several popular streaming services that offer a vast selection of original anime to choose from.

Popular Streaming Services that offer Original Anime

Crunchyroll – Known as the “go-to” streaming platform for anime fans, Crunchyroll offers a vast selection of original anime series. With over 1,000 titles to choose from, you’ll have plenty of options to explore. One of the significant advantages of Crunchyroll is that it releases new episodes of ongoing anime series as soon as they air in Japan.
Netflix – While Netflix may not have as extensive of a selection as Crunchyroll, it still offers several popular original anime series such as “Devilman Crybaby,” “Castlevania,” and “Aggretsuko.” One of the significant benefits of Netflix is that it also provides English dubs for many of its anime series, making it more accessible for viewers who prefer dubbed anime.
Funimation – Funimation is another popular streaming service that offers original anime series. With over 600 titles to choose from, Funimation is a great option for fans who prefer dubbed anime. One of the significant advantages of Funimation is that it also offers classic anime series such as “Dragon Ball Z” and “Cowboy Bebop.”

Pros and Cons of Each Platform

While each streaming service offers its unique advantages, there are also some cons to consider. For example, Crunchyroll may not offer English dubs for all of its anime series, while Netflix may not release new episodes as soon as they air in Japan. Additionally, while Funimation may have a great selection of dubbed anime, it may not have as many options for subbed anime.

Ultimately, the best streaming service for you will depend on your personal preferences and what you’re looking for in an anime series. Don’t be afraid to explore and try out different platforms to find the one that suits you best.

In the next section, we will discuss the most frequently asked questions about original anime.

Conclusion

In conclusion, original anime provides a refreshing break from the countless adaptations flooding the anime industry. With its unique storytelling and animation, it’s no wonder why original anime has gained such a massive following worldwide.

In this article, we have discussed what original anime is, how it differs from adaptations, and some popular examples of original anime series. We have also provided you with the criteria for selecting the best original anime, a list of the top 10 best original anime of all time, and where to watch them.

Remember, when selecting the best original anime, consider the storyline and plot, character development, animation quality, music and sound effects, and critical and audience reception.

At Ratingperson, we pride ourselves on providing the best reviews and recommendations for movies, restaurants, and more. We hope this article has helped you find your next favorite original anime series. Happy watching!