10 Classic Anime Where Every Episode Is a Masterpiece

A genuine masterpiece is hard to come by, but when it comes to anime, we get them far more often compared to most other mediums. It’s not hard to see why, as series such as One Piece and Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End have had a massive influence on anime culture. Not to mention, these shows are engaging from start to finish, even if they have some bad or slow episodes here and there.

However, some anime never falter, which is why this list will highlight ten classic anime series where every episode is a masterpiece. Based on aspects such as influence, importance, consistency, themes, writing, animation, originality, and overall quality, these shows are one of a kind. To be considered a classic, an anime must have been released before 2015. Maybe it is a bit of a stretch to say every episode of these shows is a masterpiece, but at the very least, each presents a profound meaning and purpose with very few flaws.

‘Neon Genesis Evangelion’ (1995-1996)

Image via Toei Company

While it is one of the most polarizing anime series of all time, Neon Genesis Evangelion is arguably perfect. After humanity faces another crisis event that can destroy the world, only a group of teenagers piloting mechs can defeat the angel-like aliens. However, Shinji must overcome mental barriers if he wants to save the Earth.

Some episodes may not be to fans’ taste, especially the ending, but overall, Neon Genesis Evangelion is a masterpiece for good reason. Even low-stakes episodes are intriguing and ripe with character development, foreshadowing, and atmospheric tension. Arguably, the strongest aspect is the personal journey at the center, and the flawlessness of the tragic buildup of Shinji’s character each episode.

‘Samurai Champloo’ (2004-2005)

Image via Cartoon Network

Shinichiro Watanabe is a legendary anime director who has multiple shows on this list, starting with Samurai Champloo. When a young girl begins her search for a mysterious samurai who smells like sunflowers, she enlists two ronin bodyguards. Thus begins the eccentric trio’s unlikely journey across feudal Japan.

Samurai Champloo is known for having some of the best music in anime, but it also brings a unique style and vibe with it as well, which can be felt in every episode. The dynamic the three characters have is completely captivating, plus adding development and personal goals within this makes it even more intriguing. Samurai Champloo also boasts fun fights that make each step of the journey unique and riveting.

‘Legend of the Galactic Heroes’ (1988-1997)

Image via K-Factory

Anime from the 1980s doesn’t often connect with a modern audience, but one of the best shows from that decade is Legend of the Galactic Heroes. After a century-long ceasefire, two interstellar factions break the peace after getting new leaders. Now, the two young, idealistic commanders lead their armies against each other, but which ideology will win?

Legend of the Galactic Heroes is over one hundred episodes long, making it the longest series on this list. Even if all one hundred episodes aren’t perfect, most of them are, making this show eligible for this list. Legend of the Galactic Heroes has some of the highest-rated episodes on IMDb, not just for anime, but for all television, proving most of them have near-universal praise from audiences.

‘FLCL’ (2000-2001)

Image via Crunchyroll

This list features a couple of avant-garde anime shows, including FLCL, which manages to be perfect because it only has six episodes. A young boy takes it upon himself to pick up the responsibilities of his brother who left, not giving him time to be a kid. However, when a Vespa-riding woman turns his life upside down, he feels something for the first time, even if she is just using him.

Since it is only six episodes, FLCL has an easier time being a masterpiece than others, but that still doesn’t discredit it. With a quick pace, this anime is short, but sweet. FLCL tells a relatable coming-of-age story about puberty through the most extreme and chaotic methods, creating a storytelling masterclass that is surreal, over-the-top, and pure exhilaration from start to finish, proving why it is a beloved anime series.

‘Mushi-Shi’ (2005-2014)

Image via Artland

The iyashikei genre — a branch of slice-of-life, instead focusing on melancholic and relaxing storytelling — is still quite underrated. Mushi-Shi follows Ginko, a traveling researcher investigating the strange creatures known as mushi. These bug-like spirits cause weird phenomena wherever they are, leading Ginko to be determined to find out their origins and secrets.

Mushi-Shi uses an episodic approach, with each chapter following a different adventure and mystery. However, each one has a varied style that adds nuance to the larger story, both visually and narratively. This somewhat underappreciated gem is one of the most relaxing and chilling anime out there, delivering a laid-back vibe while also prioritizing mystery and wonder.

‘Mononoke’ (2007)

Image via EOTA

Horror isn’t exactly the best genre in anime, but one of the few exceptions is Mononoke. This colorful masterpiece follows a travelling medicine salesman who is actually an exorcist. He provides his services wherever he goes, with each episode following a new story. From a daunting sea creature in the ocean to deceased aborted babies haunting a brothel, this show has some frightening storylines.

The new movies are some of the best anime of the past decade, but the original show is still the best way to experience this singular and eerie story. Mononoke is a visual sensation that is mind-bending, trippy, and psychedelic, while also being traditional, vibrant, and mystical. Vibes aside, Mononoke also has dark storytelling that is scarier than most anime series nowadays.

‘Paranoia Agent’ (2004)

Image via Adult Swim

Satoshi Kon was an anime legend who passed too soon, and while he was known for his films like Perfect Blue, he also created an anime series, Paranoia Agent. Struggling to meet her deadline for a new hit toy, an overworked designer is suddenly attacked by an unknown assailant. A string of these attacks begins happening everywhere, putting everyone on edge that they might be the next victim.

This self-contained anime is gripping from start to finish, utilizing its clever dialogue and thought-provoking themes masterfully. Paranoia Agent balances its inherent silliness with heavy-hitting messages and a dark narrative that has much to say about the modern age. This anime has also aged phenomenally, predicting the flow of society to a T.

‘The Tatami Galaxy’ (2010)

With so many avant-garde anime shows on this list, fans need to realize how perfect these masterpieces are. The Tatami Galaxy follows an unnamed protagonist trying to achieve his rose-colored college life by getting a raven-haired girlfriend. Each episode takes place in an alternate timeline where he tries something new, all with the same failed results.

Every new episode follows the protagonist and an alternate attempt at getting a girlfriend. But it isn’t just a loop; each chapter of The Tatami Galaxy is completely unique, showcasing its unmatched visual style and stunning animation. However, the common thread is its main theme, which is present at the end of every episode until the realization in the finale, crafting a connected narrative and anime masterpiece.

‘Cowboy Bebop’ (1998-1999)

Image via Sunrise

Watanabe already had an appearance on this list with Samurai Champloo, but he lands on here a second time with his magnum opus, Cowboy Bebop. Spike Spiegel and his group of bounty hunters clean up the galaxy of scum, but when his dark past returns, he must face this issue head-on or risk putting himself and his friends in danger.

Like Samurai Champloo, Cowboy Bebop is full of episode masterpieces based on style alone, but it also excels narratively because of the powerful themes it explores. The episodic structure allows for succinct worldbuilding that accentuates the distinct aesthetic and story, which can then build upon the characters up until the poetic final battle that is etched in anime history.

‘Ping Pong the Animation’ (2014)

Image via Tatsunoko Production

Table tennis isn’t exactly a riveting sport, but fans will change their minds after watching one of the best sports anime, Ping Pong the Animation. Smile and Peco are best friends who enjoy playing table tennis together, but when they decide to go pro, Smile doesn’t find the joy in the sport anymore, and Peco can’t keep up with the competition. But they aren’t the only ones with goals and struggles, as each character presents their own issues.

Some anime on this list might have one or two down episodes, except for Ping Pong the Animation, which takes the title to heart the most, with every episode being a true masterpiece. The consistent quality of the narrative and art is magnificent, and while the animation takes some getting used to, it is purposely down to show the characters’ mental state. Ping Pong the Animation has no flaws, slowly building its characters every episode through challenges. Every character goes through a profound arc of self-discovery, all brought together by the love of the sport and the importance of winning, yet each has unique realizations and epiphanies.