Ranking "popularity" in anime is a mix of historical significance, current streaming numbers, and pure cultural ubiquity. While new hits like Solo Leveling and Dandadan dominate the 2025 charts, the following list represents the titans of the industry series that have defined the medium for millions of viewers globally.
1. Pokémon
-Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Kodomo
-Studio: OLM
-Original Run: 1997 – Present
Why it's #1: It is arguably the most recognized media franchise on the planet. While many know it for the video games and trading cards, the anime has been on air for over 25 years, introducing generations of children to Japanese animation. Even people who "don't watch anime" know who Pikachu is.
2. One Piece
-Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Shonen
-Studio: Toei Animation
-Original Run: 1999 – Present
Why it's popular: With over 1,100 episodes and arguably the most loyal fanbase in history, One Piece is a storytelling juggernaut. In 2024 and 2025, it consistently ranked as one of the most-streamed shows globally. The story of Monkey D. Luffy’s quest to become the Pirate King creates a sense of epic scale and world-building that few other series can match.
3. Dragon Ball Z / Dragon Ball Super
-Genre: Action, Martial Arts, Shonen
-Studio: Toei Animation
-Original Run: 1989 – 1996 (Z), 2015 – 2018 (Super)
Why it's popular: Dragon Ball is the father of the modern battle shonen. It broke into the Western mainstream in the 90s and firmly established anime outside of Japan. Goku is a global cultural icon, appearing in everything from Thanksgiving Day parades to major sporting events.
4. Naruto / Naruto: Shippuden
-Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
-Studio: Studio Pierrot
-Original Run: 2002 – 2017
Why it's popular: For the generation that grew up in the 2000s, Naruto was the gateway into anime. The story of an outcast ninja seeking recognition resonates universally. Even years after its conclusion, it remains one of the most-watched shows on Netflix and crunchyroll, proving its enduring appeal.
5. Attack on Titan (Shingeki no Kyojin)
-Genre: Dark Fantasy, Action, Post-Apocalyptic
-Studio: Wit Studio / MAPPA
-Original Run: 2013 – 2023
Why it's popular: Attack on Titan changed the landscape of modern anime with its high production value, brutal storytelling, and complex political themes. It bridged the gap between hardcore anime fans and mainstream audiences (similar to Game of Thrones), becoming a massive "watercooler" show during its airing.
6. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
-Genre: Action, Fantasy, Historical
-Studio: Ufotable
-Original Run: 2019 – Present
Why it's popular: A modern phenomenon, Demon Slayer exploded in popularity due to Ufotable's breathtaking animation. The movie Mugen Train became the highest-grossing anime film of all time (and the highest-grossing film in Japan ever). It is currently the dominant force in anime merchandising and viewership.
7. Death Note
-Genre: Psychological Thriller, Supernatural, Mystery
-Studio: Madhouse
-Original Run: 2006 – 2007
Why it's popular: Death Note is widely considered the best "starter" anime for adults. It lacks the tropes often associated with shonen anime (screaming power-ups, hundreds of episodes) and instead offers a tight, 37-episode cat-and-mouse intellectual thriller that hooks viewers instantly.
8. Jujutsu Kaisen
-Genre: Action, Dark Fantasy, Supernatural
-Studio: MAPPA
-Original Run: 2020 – Present
Why it's popular: Taking the baton from Naruto and Bleach, Jujutsu Kaisen is the current king of the "cool" battle shonen. With sleek character designs, high-octane horror action, and a viral internet presence (memes, TikTok edits), it has dominated streaming charts in the 2020s.
9. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
-Genre: Adventure, Dark Fantasy, Steampunk
-Studio: Bones
-Original Run: 2009 – 2010
Why it's popular: Often cited by critics and fans as the "perfect" anime series. It consistently holds the #1 spot on rating sites like MyAnimeList. Its tight narrative, deep philosophical themes, and satisfying conclusion make it a staple recommendation for anyone interested in the medium.
10. Bleach
-Genre: Action, Adventure, Supernatural
-Studio: Studio Pierrot
-Original Run: 2004 – 2012; 2022 – Present
Why it's popular: As the third member of the "Big Three" (alongside One Piece and Naruto), Bleach was instrumental in the global anime boom of the mid-2000s. Its recent return with the Thousand-Year Blood War arc has reignited its massive fanbase, boasting some of the most stylish aesthetics in anime history.