Anime often drawsinspiration from manga, which are Japanese graphic novels and comic books. However, there are numerous outstanding anime series that have been created as original works or adapted from real-life events. These anime showcase a diverse range of genres and themes, providing viewers with a unique experience.
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From classic space westerns likeCowboy Bebopto action thrillers like Samurai Champloo, these series challenge conventions and take creative risks. We will delve into the world of the best anime not based on manga, exploring the captivating stories, complex characters, and stunning visuals that have captured the hearts of fans worldwide.
10Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day
Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day is a heartfelt anime about loss and friendship. The story revolves around Jinta Yadomi and his group of childhood friends, who drifted apart after the tragic death of Menma. Years later, Menma’s ghost appears to Jinta, requesting help in fulfilling her final wish.
Unsure of the wish’s nature, Jinta reunites the estranged friends to decipher her message. As they work together, old wounds resurface, and they confront their shared grief. This emotionally resonant series emphasizes forgiveness, love, and the power of friendship in overcoming life’s challenges.
FLCL is a surreal, coming-of-age anime revolving around 12-year-old Naota Nandaba, whose mundane life takes a bizarre turn when he encounters the eccentric alien Haruko Haruhara. She smashes Naota on the head with a bass guitar, unleashing mysterious robots and triggering the growth of giant horns on his forehead.
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This wild series is packed with frenetic action, absurd humor, and the exploration of adolescence. As Naota navigates the chaos Haruko brings into his life, he learns to embrace his newfound maturity. FLCL’s unique charm and unforgettable style leave viewers craving more.
8Kill la Kill
Kill la Killis a visually striking anime that follows Ryuko Matoi, a high school girl on a mission to avenge her father’s murder. Armed with a sentient, shape-shifting sailor uniform called Senketsu and a giant scissor blade, Ryuko takes on Satsuki Kiryuin, and her powerful underlings.
The story takes place in Honnouji Academy, where students' uniforms grant them superhuman abilities. Throughout Ryuko’s quest, the story unravels the true nature of the powerful uniforms. The series delivers adrenaline-fueled battles, quirky humor, and a touch of fan service.
7Angel Beats!
Angel Beats! takes place in a high school set in the afterlife, where a group of deceased teenagers, led by the spirited Yuri, rebel against a mysterious entity known as Angel. The newcomer, Otonashi, joins the group despite having no recollection of his past life.
As they engage in zany antics and supernatural battles, the characters confront their past regrets and lingering emotional scars. The series delves into themes of friendship, love, and redemption. Angel Beats! tugs at the heartstrings with arumored season 2and game in the works.
6Death Parade
Death Parade delves into the afterlife, where deceased souls arrive at a bar called Quindecim. The enigmatic bartender, Decim, reveals that they must compete in a series of games to determine their fate—reincarnation or oblivion. As the souls engage in these high-stakes games, their true colors and darkest secrets are unveiled.
Unbeknownst to them, Decim and his assistant, a nameless human woman, scrutinize their actions and pass judgment. This gripping anime shows the complexities of human nature, morality, and the concept of life after death with its storytelling and thought-provoking themes.
5Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion
Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion is a gripping anime that follows Lelouch vi Britannia, an exiled prince in an alternate world where the Holy Britannian Empire has conquered Japan. After gaining the power of Geass, which allows him to command anyone to follow his orders, Lelouch adopts the masked identity Zero.
Alongside his fellow rebels and strategic genius, Lelouch wages a battle for liberation while seeking revenge for his murdered mother. The series masterfully weaves themes of power, sacrifice, and morality, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats.
4Samurai Champloo
Get ready for a wild ride with Samurai Champloo, a funky and action-packed anime that blends hip-hop with samurai action. Set in an alternate Edo-era Japan, the story follows the impulsive swordsman Mugen, the ronin Jin, and Fuu on a quest to find the samurai who has the scent of sunflowers.
With a soundtrack by the late, great Nujabes, the series features breathtaking sword fights and captivating visuals. As our unconventional trio journeys through a world of samurai, assassins, and beatboxing, they unravel personal mysteries and form an unbreakable bond, leaving audiences entertained and inspired.
3Sk8 the Infinity
Sk8 the Infinity is a high-octane anime centered around Reki, a passionate skateboarder, and Langa, a Canadian snowboarder new to Japan. As their friendship blossoms, Reki introduces Langa to the thrilling world of underground skateboarding races called S.
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Racers face off in adrenaline-fueled battles, navigating treacherous terrain and tackling intense rivalries. The series showcases a colorful cast of skateboarders, each with their own techniques, circumstances, and motivations. Through heart-pounding races, Sk8 the Infinity depicts friendship and determination, capturing the hearts of sports anime fans everywhere.
2Violet Evergarden
Violet Evergarden is a poignant drama that takes place in a post-war world, following the journey of a former child soldier turned Auto Memory Doll. These Dolls are professional ghostwriters who transcribe people’s thoughts and emotions into letters.
Having lost her arms in the war and replaced them with prosthetic limbs, Violet struggles to understand human emotions. As she writes letters for others, she begins to heal and learn about empathy, love, and loss. The beautifully animated series explores self-discovery, redemption, and the power of human connection, making it one of thebest anime shows.
1Cowboy Bebop
Cowboy Bebop is a space western anime following a group of bounty hunters as they traverse the galaxy in pursuit of criminals in 2071. The series centers on Spike Spiegel, a former hitman, and Jet Black, an ex-cop, as they form an unconventional crew with Edward, Faye Valentine, and a genetically-engineered corgi named Ein.
Throughout their adventures, the characters face personal demons and unravel their hidden pasts. With its jazzy soundtrack, film noir-inspired aesthetic, and episodic storytelling, Cowboy Bebop has become a popular and classic, original anime not based on manga.
