These 10 Series Are as Important as 'Dragon Ball'
Dragon Ball is arguably the most popular anime of all time, as it popularized and created many common tropes, while also introducing a new generation of fans to the medium. Its reach, history, and influence are unparalleled, for the most part, and it remains a mainstay of pop culture. However, that is not to say there aren't shows that are as important, with many series having similar influence to help shape the industry and community.
Although Dragon Ball is the most influential, many other anime series have also contributed to shaping the medium's legacy. This list will rank ten anime series as important as Dragon Ball , based on theirinfluence, groundbreaking techniques, relevance, impact on the community, critical and financial success, and essential aspects. They might not share many themes beyond the medium that houses them, but these series are equal to Toriyama 's masterpiece.
'Neon Genesis Evangelion' (1995)
Created by Hideaki Anno
Not every revolutionary show needs to be the next big battle shōnen; in fact, many genre-defining anime shows aren't the most typical, but the most extravagant and unorthodox. Neon Genesis Evangelion excels in that regard, as it follows Shinji, a teenager who is the only hope in preventing the apocalypse, but first must battle his inner demons and struggles.
While the finale movie is one of the highest-rated anime movies , the show is just as prestigious. Neon Genesis Evangelion shaped sci-fi and mecha anime for this era, forever changing the genre by breaking it down and rebuilding it. The anime also popularized mental health and expressionism in future projects , cementing its legacy as one of the most important mature anime series.
'Yu Yu Hakusho' (1992)
Created by Yoshihiro Togashi
While most fans prefer Yoshihiro Togashi 's newer work, Hunter x Hunter, his most important project is Yu Yu Hakusho . After prematurely dying, the afterlife isn't ready for Yusuke, which prompts them to send him on a series of tasks that will restore his life if he completes them. He now works as a spirit detective, maintaining the fragile balance between spirits and humans.
This classic series has somehow become an underrated and overlooked masterpiece, but that doesn't diminish its incredible legacy and important influence. It challenged and reinvented the idea of a masculine protagonist who is angry, brash, but still loyal and honorable. Yu Yu Hakusho also popularized the tournament arc, one of the most beloved tropes in anime, which was also popularized by Dragon Ball , helping it become a legendary 1990s anime .
'Naruto' (2002)
Created by Masashi Kishimoto
Each generation has its flagship battle shōnen; it was Dragon Ball in the 1980s and Yu Yu Hakusho in the 1990s, but the 2000s had multiple, with Naruto arguably being the most popular. The titular character sets off on a journey to become the leader of his ninja village, but to accomplish his goal, Naruto needs to shed his bad habits and prove his dedication through hard work.
Naruto is the best anime for Dragon Ball fans as the former was inspired by the latter, using many established tropes. However, Naruto used and modified them for a new generation, inspiring countless new anime fans. It popularized the central trio trope with the energetic protagonist, the gloomy side character, and the girl who keeps everyone in line. Naruto's popularity is enough to be essential, but its themes and narrative methods also define the anime genre .
'Doraemon' (1979)
Created by Fujiko F. Fujio
Most people think of Dragon Ball and Naruto when imagining important anime, but kids' shows are the origin of animation, and thus contain some of the most essential and defining series. Doraemon is a staple kids' show that follows the titular alien cat coming to Earth to help Nobita make the right decisions, as he somehow ends up destroying the universe in the future otherwise.
Doraemon is an inspirational anime series designed to teach children good habits and respect. While Western fans may not have experienced it, this show is widely influential in Japan , with most children growing up with thousands of Doraemon episodes. The impact of kids' shows cannot be overstated, especially in a medium like anime, and Doraemon is undoubtedly the most significant due to its influence and popularity .
'Bleach' (2004)
Created by Tite Kubo
The Big Three dominated the early 2000s all the way into the 2010s, but the least popular finally returned to screens in the 2020s with a grand entrance. Bleach never received its due diligence until recently, and now it has become one of the most popular anime series, thanks to its stylized action and invigorating animation.
While Naruto may be more well-known, popular, and critically acclaimed, Bleach has surprisingly had more significance, specifically in the modern day. Bleach has many great arcs , but fans can see its influence through the urban fantasy genre, which it popularized , spawning shows such as Jujutsu Kaisen and Chainsaw Man . Praised for its complexity, Bleach almost occupies a category by itself, becoming an outright institution within the anime medium.
'Sailor Moon' (1992)
Created by Naoko Takeuchi
Most of the shows on this list have been predominantly male-oriented, as anime is a medium mostly targeted towards teenage males. However, the female demographic remains significant, and Sailor Moon was the introduction to anime for many young girls. After gaining magical girl powers, Usagi must help protect the world, a responsibility that is more challenging than she thought.
Sailor Moon is a pop-culture icon, making its way into the public domain through its revolutionary storytelling and relatable characters. It redefined the female heroine in cartoons , paved the way for future female-driven stories, and pretty much invented the magical girl subgenre , making it an important and influential anime series . Sailor Moon is a classic that has inspired countless people, showcasing its charm through grace and goofiness.
'One Piece' (1999)
Created by Eiichiro Oda
As previously mentioned, the Big Three dominated anime, and the most important is One Piece , which is shockingly still airing and is showing no signs of slowing down. Luffy aims to be King of the Pirates, but in order to do so, he must build a reputation and a crew, which he does by sailing the seas, saving people, and taking down evil pirates and marines.
One Piece 's length is unprecedented for a continuous story, and it only seems to be getting better. It is unpredictable and somehow manages to connect its thousands of characters to a long-running plot with intricate lore and worldbuilding, creating the most expansive anime experiences. One Piece is one of the greatest anime series of all time , and its importance only grows as time goes on .
'Pokémon' (1997)
Created by Satoshi Tajiri
Pokémon is the largest media franchise in the world, thanks to its merchandise, trading card game, and video games; however, its TV show is just as important, serving as a landmark for anime. With the start of each new generation, Ash and Pikachu venture to a new location, where they encounter distinct creatures, eccentric characters, and dastardly foes, as they battle their way to the top of the league.
While the anime isn't as significant as Pokémon's other properties, it is still an important series that was many fans' introduction to anime . Everyone has their favorite Pokémon , and creating such an enriching and lovable world is a task established by the anime, which brought the Pokémon to life. Filled with wonder and curiosity, Pokémon is the definitive children's anime that everyone can get behind .
'Mobile Suit Gundam' (1979)
Created by Yoshiyuki Tomino
While it isn't the oldest anime on this list, it is up there, and that alone should speak to its relevance in establishing anime as a serious medium. Mobile Suit Gundam has many iterations and storylines, but they all have similar themes of war, political tension, and sci-fi elements.
While the sci-fi and mecha genres aren't as big as they used to be, Gundam popularized anime staples and remains one of the most influential. As one of the earliest popular anime, it pioneered many early techniques and storytelling formats . It was popular with both men and women, even kicking off a successful merchandise empire, proving its importance on and off the screen .
'Astro Boy' (1963)
Created by Osamu Tezuka
Remember when this list said Dragon Ball is arguably the most important anime? Astro Boy is the only other series realistically in that conversation and debate. After the death of his son, a scientist creates an exact replica, but can't give it the same love. The young android now serves as a protector of peace and good, saving people from danger and defeating dangerous enemies.
Osamu Tezuka is considered the father of anime and manga, and Astro Boy was the series that started it all , making it more than necessary to the medium. While future shows would perfect techniques and tropes, Astro Boy deserves credit for beginning anime, coining its iconic style and look , and laying the groundwork for decades of future series. Outside of Dragon Ball, Astro Boy is the most important anime series of all time and a revered masterpiece of the medium.
NEXT: The 20 Best Anime Series of All Time, Ranked
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