10 Best Anime On HBO, Ranked By IMDb | ScreenRant
For years, HBO has cultivated a respected reputation thanks to its excellent original series like Game of Thrones and The Wire. Now, HBO also offers subscribers access to a host of top-notch anime to binge-watch at their discretion.
Through its Crunchyroll collection, HBO subscribers are able to watch some of the best anime of the past 25 years. Not counting any of the films from Studio Ghibli, which are also available on the platform, here are the best anime on HBO as ranked by IMDb users.
10 Erased (2016) - 8.5
One of the best anime about time travel, Erased is about Satoru Fujinuma, a 29-year-old man who possesses a mysterious ability that allows him to travel back in time. One day, he is transported 18 years into the past to prevent his mother from dying. While in the past, he must also solve a string of sinister kidnappings.
Erased is an excellent psychological thriller with relatable characters and a tight, well-developed plot. The art and background music set a tone that brilliantly complements the show's themes of loneliness, loss, and abuse. The plot is sure to keep audiences on the edge of their seats and rooting for Satoru as he attempts to rewrite the past.
9 Rurouni Kenshin (1996-1999) - 8.5
Even though it's over 25 years old, Rurouni Kenshin is still easily one of the best samurai anime. The story follows Kenshin Himura, a legendary warrior who vows to never kill again. As he wanders around Japan trying to make amends, he soon finds that upholding his ideals is more difficult than he first imagined.
Rurouni Kenshin blends romance, action, and history into a compelling narrative set against a realistic backdrop of 1870s Japan. Kenshin is a fascinating protagonist who swings from funny to romantic to vengeful during a single episode. The series grapples with philosophy and morality, making it much more than just a standard hack and slash samurai story.
8 The Promised Neverland (2019-2021) - 8.5
Fans of anime full of plot twists are sure to enjoy The Promised Neverland. The plot centers on Emma, Norman, and Ray, three children who live at Grace Field House, an isolated orphanage. Life for the "siblings" seems ideal under the watchful eye of their "mama," Isabelle, until they accidentally discover the horrific truth outside the orphanage's walls.
The Promised Neverland is a gut-wrenching thriller that hooks in audiences from the first episode. The protagonists are cunning, relatable, and cautious, which makes their struggle all the more intense. With its shocking twists and enjoying characters, The Promised Neverland is one of the best new anime in recent memory.
7 Mob Psycho 100 (2016-2019) - 8.6
Featuring a unique animation style as well as a host of colorful characters, Mob Psycho 100 was one of the best anime released in 2016. It follows Mob, a socially awkward boy with immense psychic powers. Under the tutelage of the con artist, Reigen, Mob must battle restless spirits as well as the espers of the evil organization, Claw.
Mob Psycho 100 is a charming anime that is full of humor and heart. Gentle and sincere, Mob is one of the most endearing protagonists of recent memory, while Reigen's shameless bluffing and obliviousness make him a hilarious supporting character. With epic psychic battles, excellent pacing, and eye-popping animation, Mob Psycho 100 offers one of the most satisfying anime viewing experiences available.
6 Your Lie In April (2014-2015) - 8.6
Based on the romantic drama manga by Naoshi Arakawa, Your Lie in April follows Kosei Arima, a young pianist who loses his hearing shortly after his mother's death. Kosei believes he will never again experience the joy of music until he meets a young violin player named Kaori Miyazono whose free-spirited playing ignites a fire within him.
Your Lie in April is a touching story about loss and rediscovering passion in the midst of grief. The soundtrack is one of its best features as it acts as a vehicle to express the feelings of Kosei and Kaori. With quality animation, well-developed characters, and an engrossing story, Your Lie in April is the perfect anime for fans who are looking for a thoughtful series full of emotion.
5 Jujutsu Kaisen (2020-Present) - 8.7
Heralded as one of the best new shounen anime of 2020, Jujutsu Kaisen tells the story of Yuji Itadori, a high schooler who becomes possessed by the King of Curses, Ryomen Sukuna. To stave off his execution, Yuji agrees to become a jujutsu sorcerer and hunt down Curses with his new teammates Nobara Kugisaki and Megumi Fushiguro.
Jujutsu Kaisen is not your typical shounen anime, as it avoids many common anime tropes while also delivering non-stop action. The animation is crisp and clean, and while it doesn't spend much time on character development, the cast is full of interesting and likable characters. Jujutsu Kaisen is worth the watch for fans who appreciate anime with unique power systems and amazing fight choreography.
4 Death Note (2006-2007) - 9.0
Considered one of the greatest strategy anime of all time, Death Note tells the story of Light Yagami, a high-school boy who inherits the Death Note, a notebook that is able to kill anyone whose name he writes in the book. Light decides to use the book to rid the world of all criminals, but in doing so he comes under the watchful eye of the brilliant detective L and various police agencies.
Death Note is a tense psychological and crime thriller that keeps audiences glued to the screen from the very first episode. Light is one of the most polarizing and compelling anti-heroes in any anime and his mental battle with L is one of the best features of the series. The anime grapples with complex themes of morality, justice, and the line between good and evil.
3 Hunter X Hunter (2011-2014) - 9.0
Widely regarded as one of the best anime developed by Studio Madhouse, Hunter x Hunter is about Gon Freecs, a young boy who becomes a Hunter, professional bounty hunters, treasure seekers, and explorers. On his journey to find his missing father, Gon makes many friends including the assassin Killua, the doctor Leorio, and the revenge-obsessed Kurapika.
Hunter x Hunter has won over legions of fans for its well-developed characters and unique power system involving the user's life force called Nen. From its crisp animation to its high-octane fights, Hunter x Hunter is a must-watch anime for shounen fans and general anime enthusiasts alike.
2 Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2009-2012) - 9.1
Arguably one of the greatest anime ever made, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood follows Edward and Alphonse Elric, two brothers who are gifted in using the art of alchemy. When they lose their bodies in an experiment to revive their deceased mother, the boys set out to find a Philosopher's Stone that will allow them to restore their bodies and return to their normal lives.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood has something for every type of anime fan. The music is excellent, Bones Studio's animation is flawless, the plot is engaging and unique, and the characters are all well-developed and likable. From its creative alchemical-enhanced fights to the touching moments between Ed and Al, the series reaches the highest of highs and the lowest of lows.
1 To Your Eternity (2021-Present) - 9.1
Although the first season is not yet finished, To Your Eternity already has a case for the best new anime of the year. The story is about a strange immortal entity known as "the Orb," which posses no emotion or sense of self and is able to take on the form of any object or creature that leaves a strong impression on it.
Upon meeting a dying boy, the Orb takes his shape and begins to travel the land, searching for his individual identity and purpose. While the first season has not yet finished, the series is receiving praise from fans for its beautiful animation and unique travel narrative. It's a thoughtful, complex series that explores what it means to have feelings and about the journey of self-discovery.
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