Which Anime Have The Highest Ratings On Animeplanet?

For me, the shows that keep popping to the top on Anime-Planet are the ones that balance heart, clever plotting, and characters you’d actually miss after they’re gone. If you look at the high-rated pages there, a handful of titles consistently live near the top: 'Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood', 'Steins;Gate', 'Gintama°', 'Hunter x Hunter (2011)', and 'Clannad: After Story' are perennial favorites. These are the kind of series people rate highly not just for pretty animation, but because they stick with you emotionally and thematically. I’ll gush a little: 'Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood' nails world-building and payoff in a way that still makes me want to rewatch key arcs. 'Steins;Gate' blends sci-fi tension with gutting emotional beats. 'Gintama°' is an oddball — hilarious and unexpectedly sincere — which explains its huge appeal. 'Hunter x Hunter (2011)' is just masterful at evolving power systems and character growth. And then there are tearjerkers like 'Clannad: After Story' that consistently score high because they hit a universal nerve about family and loss. Beyond those, you'll often see 'Mob Psycho 100 II', 'Violet Evergarden', 'Your Lie in April', and classics like 'Cowboy Bebop' and 'Neon Genesis Evangelion' up there too. Ratings on Anime-Planet are community-driven, so the list reads like what passionate viewers keep recommending — and honestly, that’s my favorite kind of list to trust. I always end up writing a longer rewatch list after browsing it, which is a little dangerous for my free time but very satisfying.

You know, whenever this topic comes up, I can't help but gush about how 'Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood' absolutely deserves its spot at the top. It's one of those rare gems where every element—story, characters, world-building—clicks perfectly. The way it balances heavy themes like war and morality with humor and heart is masterful. And the pacing? Flawless. It never drags, yet it gives every emotional beat room to breathe. I've rewatched it at least three times, and each viewing reveals new layers, like how the alchemy system mirrors the characters' personal struggles. Then there's 'Attack on Titan,' which starts as a straightforward survival horror but evolves into this epic, philosophical commentary on freedom and cycles of violence. The animation quality is insane, especially in later seasons, and the soundtrack elevates every major moment. What sticks with me, though, is how it makes you question who the real villains are—no easy answers, just like real life. These two are my go-to recs for anyone asking about top-tier anime.

the ones that consistently blow me away aren't just about shock value—they weave complex stories that stick with you. 'Monster' by Naoki Urasawa is psychological perfection, with its cat-and-mouse chase between a brilliant surgeon and a manipulative killer. The character development is insane—I still think about Johan's chilling philosophy months after watching. Then there's 'Berserk' (1997), which balances brutal medieval warfare with existential themes. The Golden Age arc ruins you emotionally, especially that eclipse scene (no spoilers, but oof). For something more recent, 'Devilman Crybaby' redefined what adult animation could be—hyper-stylized violence paired with raw emotional devastation. The ending had me staring at the ceiling for hours. These shows prove mature ratings can mean depth, not just fanservice. What I love is how they trust audiences to handle heavy material without spoon-feeding answers.

The world of assassin-themed anime is packed with gems, but 'Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion' consistently tops rating charts for its intricate plotting and morally ambiguous protagonist. Lelouch isn't a traditional assassin—he's a strategist who eliminates targets with chessmaster precision, blending mecha action with psychological thrills. What sets it apart is how it explores the cost of power; every assassination carries emotional weight, making it more than just slick action. Then there's 'Darker Than Black', often overshadowed but revered by fans for its noir tone. Hei's cold professionalism contrasts with moments of humanity, like his affection for cats. The series balances supernatural contracts with gritty street-level hits, creating a unique vibe. While not as mainstream as 'Code Geass', its cult following praises the atmospheric storytelling and flawed characters who grapple with their bloody choices.

If we're talking about the cream of the crop on MyAnimeList, 'Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood' has been sitting pretty at the top for ages. It's one of those rare gems where everything clicks—the characters feel like family, the plot twists hit like a truck, and the world-building is so rich you could spend hours dissecting it. I binge-watched it during a rainy weekend, and by the end, I was emotionally wrecked in the best way possible. The way it balances humor, tragedy, and philosophy without ever feeling preachy is pure magic. What really sets it apart, though, is how it sticks the landing. So many shows fumble their endings, but 'Brotherhood' wraps up every thread with satisfying precision. Even minor characters get moments to shine, and the final battle feels earned rather than flashy. It's no surprise MAL users keep it at #1—it's the kind of story that lingers in your mind for years.

You know, I was just scrolling through MyAnimeList the other day, and it's wild how 'Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood' has held onto that top spot for so long. It's like the holy grail of anime ratings, sitting pretty with a 9.1 or higher for years. What's fascinating is how it manages to appeal to almost everyone—deep story, killer action, emotional gut punches, and a cast you can't help but love. Even folks who aren't into shounen usually make an exception for this one. I remember trying to convince my friend to watch it, and they binged the whole thing in a weekend. That's the power of Brotherhood—it hooks you fast and never lets go. The way it balances humor and tragedy is masterful, and the ending? Chef's kiss. No wonder it's the king of MAL.

Ever since I stumbled upon 'The Cat Returns' by Studio Ghibli, I've been utterly enchanted by anime that features feline protagonists. This film, with its whimsical storyline and charming animation, holds a special place in my heart. It's not just about the adventure of a girl turning into a cat, but the deeper themes of self-discovery and courage. The Baron, a suave cat figurine come to life, is one of the most memorable characters I've ever encountered. His elegance and bravery make him stand out in a sea of animated characters. Another gem is 'Natsume’s Book of Friends', where Nyanko-sensei, a spirit in the form of a plump cat, steals every scene he’s in. His sarcastic humor and unexpected loyalty to Natsume add layers to what could have been a simple sidekick role. The series balances supernatural elements with heartfelt moments, making it a must-watch for cat lovers. Then there’s 'Chi’s Sweet Home', a slice-of-life anime that captures the innocent mischief of a kitten with such authenticity that it feels like watching a real pet. The simplicity of its storytelling is its strength, resonating with anyone who’s ever loved a cat.

If we're talking about supernatural anime that absolutely blew audiences away, 'Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood' has to be at the top of the list. It's not just about alchemy and epic battles—it digs deep into themes like sacrifice, morality, and the consequences of playing god. The way it balances action with emotional depth is unreal. I binged it in a week and still catch myself rewatching certain scenes when I need a punch of inspiration. Another heavy hitter is 'Death Note.' The psychological chess match between Light and L is legendary. It’s less about ghosts and more about the supernatural power of the Death Note itself, but the tension is so thick you could cut it with a knife. The moral dilemmas it throws at you stick around long after the credits roll. Honestly, it’s one of those shows that makes you question what you’d do in the same situation.

Reincarnation anime have exploded in popularity over the past decade, and some stand out as true gems. 'Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation' is an absolute masterpiece—its world-building is so immersive, and the character development for Rudeus feels incredibly real. The animation by Studio Bind is stunning, especially in how it captures the magic and landscapes. Then there's 'Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World,' which blends psychological depth with brutal consequences for Subaru's respawns. It's gripping, heartbreaking, and occasionally triumphant. Another top-tier pick is 'The Rising of the Shield Hero,' where Naofumi's journey from betrayal to redemption hits hard. The emotional stakes feel earned, and the action sequences are thrilling. 'That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime' is a lighter but equally engaging take—Rimuru’s overpowered yet wholesome adventures make it a joy to watch. These series aren’t just highly rated; they redefine the genre with their unique twists and emotional depth.

When I poke around Anime-Planet’s rankings, I treat it like reading a scoreboard after a marathon — there’s the obvious numbers, and then there’s the human story behind them. At the core, it’s simple: users score shows and those scores get aggregated. Most people rate on a fixed scale, and Anime-Planet displays a community score that reflects the collective ratings. But it’s not just a raw average slapped on the page; the site smooths out extremes so that a one-off five-star from a single user can’t rocket a niche OVA to the top overnight. Practically that means they use some kind of minimum-vote threshold or smoothing method (think of a weighted or Bayesian-style average) so shows with hundreds or thousands of votes sit more comfortably at the top than a tiny, cult-favorite with five perfect scores. I also pay attention to how the site lets you sort and filter: you can look at overall top-rated lists, but you can also break things down by genre, season, or year. Those filtered lists usually apply the same scoring logic but constrain the pool. Popularity is tracked separately — a show might be wildly popular (lots of users adding it to lists) but not necessarily the highest-scoring. Conversely, critically acclaimed series like 'Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood' or 'Neon Genesis Evangelion' tend to rank high on both metrics because they pull strong scores from many users. There’s a social layer too. Reviews, favorites, and the number of users who’ve marked a series as completed or recommended all influence how visible it is across the site, even if those things don’t change the numerical community score directly. Newer shows often get an initial volatility phase: early fans rate heavily and the score fluctuates until more viewers balance it out. That’s why I usually check both the score and the vote count before deciding whether a high-rated title is trustworthy. Bottom line: Anime-Planet’s rankings blend user ratings with safeguards against small-sample flukes, while offering filters and popularity indicators so you can find what’s both loved and widely seen — which always helps me find my next obsession.