The 20 Most Inspiring Anime, Ranked
Updated September 14, 2026
Ranked by how highly viewers rate each show and how strongly it delivers this feeling — a slightly less famous show that hits harder can outrank a bigger name.
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ONE PIECETV · 1999 · Score 87
“A thousand episodes, and every single one is about the same thing: freedom.”
Why it's here
GanbatteCompetitionDesert - 3
HAIKYU!!TV · 2014 · Score 84
“The most realistic sports anime ever made — because it's really about growing up.”
Why it's here
SportsGanbatteCompetition - 4
Run with the WindTV · 2018 · Score 83
“Ten misfit college students run a relay race. What they're really running from is themselves.”
Why it's here
AthleticsSportsCompetition - 5
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Hunter x Hunter (2011)TV · 2011 · Score 89
“An adventure story that quietly becomes the most psychologically complex anime ever made.”
Why it's here
GanbatteCompetitionSaving the world - 7
STEEL BALL RUN JoJo's Bizarre Adventure 1st STAGEONA · 2026 · Score 88
Why it's here
SportsGanbatteDesert - 8
Showa Genroku Rakugo ShinjuTV · 2016 · Score 84
Why it's here
TheaterHard work and gutsFollowing one's dream - 9
Space BrothersTV · 2012 · Score 83
“A 30-year-old chasing his childhood dream — and you've never rooted for anyone harder.”
Why it's here
CompetitionHard work and gutsAim for the top - 10
BLUE LOCKTV · 2022 · Score 80
“A sports anime that replaces teamwork with ego — and somehow makes selfishness heroic.”
Why it's here
AthleticsSportsGanbatte - 11
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Fullmetal Alchemist: BrotherhoodTV · 2009 · Score 90
“The anime that proved shonen could be literature.”
Why it's here
DesertNecromancyAnachronism - 14
My Hero AcademiaTV · 2016 · Score 77
“The anime that made a generation believe in second chances.”
Why it's here
GanbatteCompetitionHard work and guts - 15
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Beck: Mongolian Chop SquadTV · 2004 · Score 80
Why it's here
GanbatteHard work and gutsFollowing one's dream - 18
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Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken!TV · 2020 · Score 80
Why it's here
Hard work and gutsFollowing one's dreamIntact family - 20
Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation Season 3TV · 2026 · Score 84
Why it's here
DesertDelinquentsAlternative world