The 30 Best Anime Series on Crunchyroll
Narrowing down the top 30 best anime series currently on Crunchyroll was a struggle. After merging with Funimation and buying out RightStuf, the Sony-owned streaming service Crunchyroll is scarily close to a monopoly over the North American anime market. Questions about business practices aside, this basically makes Crunchyroll the go-to platform if you want to stream anime. With a large library of classics (most of which are available to stream free with ads) and the latest hits simulcast straight from Japan (with a subscription), the sheer variety is unmatched.
Series that were considered for this list but got left off (for now) include the likes of Spy x Family, Zombie Land Saga, Sarazanmai, and Demon Slayer. This also doesn’t include the service’s growing movie library, which features such masterpieces as Akira and Your Name. This list is a mix of popular hits, personal favorites, and historically influential series. For those looking for their next anime binge, below are some of your best options.
30. Girls Band Cry
Finally available for streaming outside of Japan, Girls Band Cry is defined by delightful animation and lovable disaster characters which make this another banger in the increasingly crowded “girls start a band” sub-genre. The story centers on Nina, a teen who drops out of school to move to Tokyo and quickly crosses paths with her favorite musician, Momoka. Before long, Nina finds herself not just admiring from afar but making music for herself as she comes together with a group of fellow misfits to form a band.
The most immediately noticeable element here is the intensely expressive 3D animation, as characters stretch and bounce to sell physical comedy and genuine emotion. While a lot of anime’s 3D CGI looks stiff or awkward, there is a fluidity here that lends itself perfectly to both big musical performance sequences and playful banter between these bandmates. And as for the main cast, they’re an absolute mess in the best way possible, crashing through the streets of Tokyo as they flip people off, get on each other’s nerves, and find purpose in music. Nina makes for a compelling protagonist who alternates between being painfully sincere and a chaotic gremlin, ripping true feelings out of her compatriots as their music helps them address old hurts. Not to be upstaged, the other band members all have their own well-defined concerns that lead to authentic drama, such as Momoka’s fears of repeating the past or Subaru’s family issues. While our central cast may be a bit of a trainwreck, between this series’ affecting turns, striking look, and somewhat open-ended conclusion, I’m hoping we get more of this performance.—Elijah Gonzalez
29. The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya
If you were at an anime convention in 2007, The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya was inescapable. Kyoto Animation’s gorgeous adaptation of Nagaru Tanigawa’s hit light novel series simultaneously indulged the era’s popular otaku fantasies and parodied them. Kyon, the show’s sardonic narrator, is dragged into the SOS Brigade, a paranormal club founded by the eccentric Haruhi Suzumiya. Haruhi herself is unaware that she herself is a god, and that Kyon is the only ordinary human in a club secretly filled with aliens, time travelers, and ESPers trying their best to appease this chaotic deity.
Crunchyroll lists both seasons as a single entity with episodes arranged in chronological order, but you might want to watch the show in its non-linear broadcast order for better pacing. You might also want to skip through the “Endless Eight” arc from Season 2, a massive troll that illustrated a time loop by repeating the exact same episode eight times in a row with only minor variations until the conclusion. The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya movie is also currently streaming on Crunchyroll and is recommended viewing after completing the series. —Reuben Baron
28. Bocchi the Rock!
While there were quite a few interesting shows that came out of nowhere in 2022, few of these dark horses had as much impact as Bocchi the Rock!, a music-themed coming-of-age comedy that was one of the most visually creative projects of the year. It focuses on Hitori Gotoh, an introverted guitar player who grapples with social anxiety as she becomes the newest member of a fledgling band. From the jump, Gotoh is convincingly written, as voice actress Yoshino Aoyama plays her constant stream of invasive thoughts to perfection. The rest of the band is similarly well-portrayed, and from the kind-hearted Nijika to the ray of positivity Kita, this group complements each other on and off the stage.
However, the most striking element of this production are its aesthetics, as the series bounces between different visual styles and mediums to wonderfully overdeliver every gag. The mixed media approach uses claymation, live action, 3D rigging, and just about every other trick imaginable to portray what it’s like to have a messy anxiety-addled brain. While these jokes could have come across as mean-spirited, most of them feel like they come from a place of personal experience rather than ridicule, making it feel like we’re laughing with our protagonist and not at her.
And beyond its escalating humor, the direction also conveys the overwhelming power of music, transforming humble gigs into musical battlegrounds that capture the beauty of live performance. At one point, the camera morphs a flickering lamp into stage lighting, turning a street corner into a venue as Hitori shreds an impressive lick and steps towards overcoming her apprehensions. These sequences maintain the creativity of the comedic cuts while using fluid character animation to demonstrate the weight and physicality of playing an instrument, these musicians’ self-doubts and worries melting away as they’re lost in song. Altogether, it’s a visual tour-de-force, that’s equal parts funny, poignant, and painfully relatable. —Elijah Gonzalez
27. Ranking of Kings
Ever see a protagonist who is just so damn genuine that it elevates the whole story? That’s Ranking of Kings. The show follows Bojji, a little prince who is deaf. He excels in defensive tactics rather than offense, as he is bullied by his half-brother and ridiculed by his subjects, and his naivety makes those around him doubtful of his eventual succession. After the death of Bojji’s father, King Bosse, the court decides to install Bojji’s younger half-brother Prince Daida on the throne instead. Bojji then resolves to become a worthy king so he can take his rightful crown, and sets off on a quest to gain experience and grow stronger, but while he’s away from the kingdom, a mysterious force takes control.
Ranking of Kings takes place in a fairly classic fantasy world (it resembles Dragon Quest in both style and vibe), but is rendered in beautiful watercolor. Its gorgeous fights and fluid, freeform take on fantasy channels the whimsical worlds of Jacques Demy, and its heartwarming story gives way to a classic epic adventure. Did we mention that Bojji’s most reliable ally is Kage, a creature who looks like an evil black puddle, but who learns to love Bojji? Ranking of Kings is special not only for its adventure, but because Bojji is the best boy and well worth following on his great journey. More than any of that, though, it’s a truly sensitive depiction of disability, empowering yet challenging in its dedicated portrayal of Bojji. The show features sign language advised by the Tokyo Federation for the Deaf, which is a huge step forward for media—we should be making these essential languages more appealing, and Ranking of Kings does a lot to make signing cool. —Max Covill and Austin Jones
26. BanG Dream!! It’s My Go!!!!!
One of the best parts about watching seasonal anime is that no matter how much knowledge you have going in—whether that’s having tabs on the next big adaptations or knowing which originals have an exciting staff—there will always be unexpected hits that come out of nowhere and steal the show. Despite its seemingly silly title (which somehow becomes thematically relevant later on), BanG Dream!! It’s My Go!!!!! was the unambiguous star of the Summer 2023 season. It’s a spinoff of a multimedia music franchise I had never heard of, but considering the involvement of Flip Flappers’ lead writer Yuniko Ayana, I probably should have been paying attention. Many elements make this one special, but most immediately apparent is its ability to spin affecting drama out of its cast. The members of this act are a hot mess, each defined by complexes that make it difficult for their group to fully congeal, leading to misfires, breakdowns, and general dysfunction. But in the fleeting moments when they’re in sync, we not only see their potential as musicians but also how their performances give them something they’ve all been searching for.
Although the threat of an impending band breakup hangs over the entire season, this dynamic never gets old because these characters’ many hang-ups are thoughtfully explored along the way. For instance, we learn that Tomori, the lyricist and heart of this group, has always struggled to fit in, but she’s finally able to communicate her feelings through songwriting. Soyo works as a more ominous parallel as fleeting memories of her old band make her desperate to recreate what they had. Director Koudai Kakimoto uses recurring mannerisms and evocative framing to clue us into what these people are going through. It all culminates in musical performances that burn the house down as dynamic camera work, thematically resonant songs, and character growth come together in perfect harmony. Don’t let BanG Dream!! It’s My Go!!!!! slip past your radar; like the best freshman albums, it’s raw, heartfelt, and difficult to forget. [And if you want a double shot of teen angst, be sure to also check out the show’s sequel Ave Mujica, ] —Elijah Gonzalez
25. Kill la Kill
Kill la Kill was Studio Trigger’s first TV anime and a reunion for director Hiroyuki Imaishi and writer Kazuki Nakashima of Gurren Lagann fame. Just as over-the-top as Gurren Lagann and about five times as horny, Kill la Kill swaps giant robots for super-powered school uniforms made from alien life fibers—the most powerful of which have to leave a lot of skin exposed or else they’ll overpower the wearer.
Yes, this is one of those ridiculous fanservice anime where large chunks of the plot are mainly excuses to get everyone as naked as possible as much as possible, but Kill la Kill is as funny and thrilling as it is utterly shameless. The action and plot twists move at a rapid pace, the stylized cartoony animation is great, the distinctive characters you’ll either love or love to hate, and the story’s overall messages are strongly anti-fascist. Critics can argue all day whether Kill la Kill is feminist, sexist, or a strange mix of both, but whatever it is, it’s extremely entertaining. —Reuben Baron
24. Mononoke
Deftly blending Christie-esque murder mystery with supernatural horror, Mononoke is a psychedelic nightmare. With its memorable animation style mimicking the shadowless ukiyo-e painting style of 17th century Japan, Mononoke revels in maximal beauty and twitchy sound design, but it’s also successful in its emotional endeavors, proving to be more than just a directorial experiment. Mononoke are a type of yokai (a spectrum of beings in Japanese myth ranging from ghosts to demons) that prey on the negative emotions of humans. They serve as an excellent set piece for pulse-pounding psychological horror, being unafraid to delve into exigent thematic territory. Produced by Toei Animation, the show balances the grotesque with the intensely vulnerable with such harmony, often blurring color and lines with hallucinatory flair. For a show about spirits, Mononoke’s core is decidedly human. It’s sure to haunt you for years to come. —Austin Jones
23. Skip and Loafer
Although there is no shortage of anime about high school, Skip and Loafer differentiates itself through its boundless warmth and thoughtful treatment of its protagonists. We follow Mitsumi, a student who moves to Tokyo to attend an elite academy so she can eventually make her dream of revitalizing her rural home come true. While she’s initially overwhelmed by life in the bustling city, she is taken under the wing of Sousuke, a helpful first-year boy whose outwardly pleasant demeanor seems to hide traces of lingering pain. One of the series’ standout elements is how virtually every character is afforded an inner life—their charms, struggles, and flaws making each feel like fully rendered people instead of archetypes. For instance, although our heroine is hard-working and effortlessly kind, she also tends to stress herself out with self-imposed expectations, resulting in many sleepless nights.
This complexity is also reflected in Mitsumi’s eclectic friend group, made up of popular folks who have had to deal with unwanted advances or assumptions about their personality due to their looks, as well as those who have built up walls due to past judgment. In particular, it does a beautiful job representing the friendships that form between its young women, deftly avoiding tired tropes that would pit them against one another over a love interest. And though this work is buoyed by a general sense of levity, as reflected in its warm color palette, charming art style, and bounty of affecting moments, it isn’t afraid to add tension by introducing conflicts that threaten to spoil the burgeoning romance between its central pair. In a spring stacked with heavy hitters, Skip and Loafer was the show that never failed to brighten my day, its kindness and multifaceted cast making it one of the most brilliant high school dramas in some time. —Elijah Gonzalez
22. Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End
What does it mean to live forever? Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End tackles this question both literally and figuratively as it wrings melancholy out of this high fantasy backdrop. We follow Frieren, a several thousand-year-old elven mage who previously helped defeat the Demon Lord, who struggles with the weight of leaving her companions behind. As she heads off on a new quest with her apprentice, she faces new challenges and reflects on how those closest to her have lived on in those they’ve helped.
As an adaptation, Studio Madhouse, director Keiichirō Saitō, and composer Evan Call come together to realize one of the most aesthetically consistent anime in ages, delivering gorgeous animation and background art that puts as much emphasis on tiny moments of connection as its big battles. It works wonderfully in both modes, delighting in the greens of rolling countryside and pastoral melodies of its score while also delivering duels of earth-shaking magical power. Compared to many modern fantasy anime worlds that feel plucked from undercooked RPGs, this one fleshes out the details to create a living, changing space sculpted by the march of time. And although it’s a story defined by the weight of the past, it still provides levity and charm thanks to its cast of loveable doofuses who I’ll very much miss until we get a new season. Until next time, Frieren. —Elijah Gonzalez
21. Dragon Ball Z
In every practical sense, Akira Toriyama’s status as one of anime’s greatest creators was all but secured with Dragon Ball. Loosely inspired by the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West, the manga and subsequent anime series of Son Goku’s misadventures to collect all seven of the mythical dragon balls inspired whole generations of manga artists and animators in Japan. The original series was a classic, but it was Dragon Ball Z that marked the series’ transition from a national treasure into a worldwide phenomenon. With hyper-kinetic violence, flashy energy attacks, dizzying spectacles of mass destruction, and tense moments of serial escalation, Dragon Ball Z is a singularly important installment in the canon of martial arts action anime and an enduring entry point for newcomers to the medium to this day. —Toussaint Egan
20. Samurai Champloo
Drawing on a variety of influences, from chanbara films to hip-hop music, and oozing with self-confident flair, Shinichiro Watanabe’s Samurai Champloo is simply one of the coolest television programs in recent memory. Mugen and Jin are two rival swordsmen who, after being saved from execution by a former tea waitress named Fuu, resolve to help her find the mysterious “samurai who smells of sunflowers.” From there, they journey across this fictionalized rendition of Edo-era Japan, encountering those struggling to get by in a heavily stratified society. Through its anachronistic fusion of contemporary influences and a historical setting, the series explores the frictions between the existing conservative social order and those who butt up against these stifling forces, such as our rebellious protagonists. It combines serialized and episodic storytelling, its one-offs tied together through its ostentatious style, dashes of early 2000s ‘tude, and frequent focus on portraying the lives of marginalized peoples. It all makes for a series that is generally breezy, thanks to the great rapport between its central trio, but that isn’t afraid to cut to the bone of various issues. Combine that with its excellent soundtrack, which was influential to the lo-fi hip-hop scene, and its duels that channel the look of old-school samurai flicks, and it’s easy to see why the series was such a hit. —Elijah Gonzalez
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
