Which Is the Top 3 Best Anime?

If you’ve spent any amount of time in the anime community, you know how heated the debates can get when people start ranking their favorites. Everyone has their own top three, and the lists are often wildly different depending on what kind of stories and genres people prefer. Still, some titles stand out so much that they constantly pop up in conversations, whether you’re on Reddit, YouTube, or chatting with friends after class.

So, let’s dive into the discussion and talk about which anime really deserve a spot in the “Top 3 Best Anime” conversation.

Why Ranking Anime Is So Hard

Anime is such a broad medium that it’s almost unfair to put something like a historical epic next to a shonen battle series. They’re meant to do different things, and they appeal to fans for different reasons. Some shows grab us with emotional depth, some wow us with breathtaking fights, and others just make us laugh until our stomach hurts.

That being said, there are a few anime that manage to leave such a lasting impact on the audience that they can’t be ignored when you’re making a list like this.

Vinland Saga: A Historical Masterpiece

When people talk about the best anime of the last decade, Vinland Saga almost always gets mentioned. It’s a series that doesn’t just tell a story about Vikings—it tells a story about humanity itself.

At first, Vinland Saga hooks you with brutal battles and the intensity of Thorfinn’s revenge quest. But as the series progresses, it becomes something so much more. It shifts from a tale of violence to one about peace, forgiveness, and the cost of hatred. Few anime are brave enough to take that turn, and even fewer pull it off with the kind of grace Makoto Yukimura manages.

The attention to historical detail, the raw emotion, and the moral questions it raises make Vinland Saga stand out. It’s not just a show for fans of action; it’s for anyone who wants a story that makes you think long after the episode ends. And for those who want to dive deeper, the Vinland Saga official site is a great place to explore more about the manga and its ongoing journey.

Attack on Titan: A Cultural Phenomenon

It’s hard to make a top anime list without bringing up Attack on Titan. From the very first episode, it delivered one of the most shocking and intense openings in anime history. Watching Eren, Mikasa, and Armin try to survive in a world ruled by terrifying Titans instantly pulled people in.

But what made Attack on Titan legendary wasn’t just the action. As the story unfolded, it became a deep, complex narrative about freedom, morality, and the cycle of hatred. Every season peeled back new layers of the world, and every twist made fans rethink what they thought they knew.

By the time it reached its finale, Attack on Titan had cemented itself as one of the most talked-about anime of all time. Whether people loved or hated the ending, there’s no denying the impact it left on the anime community.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood: The Perfect Blend

Another anime that consistently lands in top lists is Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. It’s one of those rare series that balances everything almost perfectly—emotional storytelling, exciting battles, strong characters, and a satisfying conclusion.

Edward and Alphonse Elric’s journey to restore their bodies after a failed alchemy ritual is both heartbreaking and inspiring. Along the way, the show tackles themes like sacrifice, morality, and the consequences of playing god.

What makes Brotherhood shine is how complete it feels. It has no wasted episodes, no filler arcs, and a carefully structured story that builds toward a powerful ending. For many fans, it’s the gold standard of anime storytelling.

Other Contenders That Could Make the List

Of course, narrowing anime down to just three feels a little unfair. There are so many incredible shows that could easily replace one of the titles above depending on your taste.

• Death Note for its brilliant cat-and-mouse battle between Light and L.

• One Piece for its unmatched world-building and decades-long journey.

• Demon Slayer for its stunning animation and emotional arcs.

• Jujutsu Kaisen for its fast-paced action and creative power system.

Anime is personal, and your top three might look totally different from mine. That’s part of what makes the community so fun—everyone brings their own perspective and passion to the table.

So, Which Are the Top 3 Best Anime?

If I had to put down a list right now, I’d say:

1. Vinland Saga manga for its depth and historical storytelling.

2. Attack on Titan for its massive impact and layered themes.

3. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood for its perfect balance and timeless appeal.

These three series represent different strengths in anime: realism and philosophy, epic world-building and cultural reach, and near-flawless storytelling.

Of course, you might swap one of these out for your personal favorite, and that’s perfectly valid. Anime is about connection—what sticks with you, what inspires you, and what makes you press “next episode” even when it’s 3 AM.

Asking “Which is the top 3 best anime?” is a bit like asking “What’s the best food?” There’s no single right answer, but there are certain choices that almost everyone agrees are legendary.

For me, Vinland Saga, Attack on Titan, and Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood make up that list. They each offer something unforgettable and have carved their names into anime history.

But the fun part is building your own list. Maybe you’re a Naruto fan who grew up with the series, or maybe My Hero Academia speaks to you more. Whatever your picks, the important thing is to keep exploring, watching, and sharing that love for anime with others.