Anime originated in the 1960s as a form of Japanese art and literature for leisure. Over time, due to mass production following World War II, anime has undergone significant improvements in both quality and diversity. As a result, there are now thousands of fans, known as otakus, who belong to a vast fanbase united by their love for anime.
The anime industry’s popularity can be attributed to its wide variety of genres, captivating storylines, stunning animation, and overall viewer satisfaction. Each series has an addictive appeal, which draws viewers in and keeps them hooked. Therefore, we have compiled a list of the Top 18 Most Addictive Anime Series Ranked for your enjoyment.
Top 18 Most Addictive Anime Series Ranked
18. Re: LIFE
MAL Rating: 8.02
Total number of episodes: 13 episodes
Where to watch: Crunchyroll, Netflix
In the list of Most Addictive Anime Series at position 18 we have Re: LIFE. After making numerous poor life choices, Arata Kaizaki, a 27-year-old, becomes a NEET and lives a dissatisfied life. While contemplating his lack of purpose, he is unexpectedly approached by a mysterious man named Ryo who presents him with an experimental pill that offers a chance for a better life. Ryo describes the experiment as a means to help the subject lead a fulfilling life by working on themselves and assisting others. Upon accepting the offer, Arata transforms into a young high school student and is given the opportunity for a ReLife.
17. Kaichou wa maid sama
MAL Rating: 8.04
Total number of episodes: 26 episodes
Where to watch: Netflix
In the list of Most Addictive Anime Series at position 17 we have Kaichou wa maid sama. Despite her challenging circumstances, Misaki Ayuzawa proves to be a diligent high school student who defies the odds to become the first female student council president at the previously all-boys Seika High. Due to her family’s financial difficulties, she not only shoulders the responsibilities of her role as the student council president but also works part-time as a maid in a maid cafe. She keeps this a secret until Usui Takumi discovers her secret, which turns her life upside down and adds an intriguing twist to the story. Through their growing friendship and blossoming romantic feelings, the two of them navigate various obstacles together, creating an enjoyable and heartwarming viewing experience.
16. ID: Invaded
MAL Rating: 7.88
Total number of episodes: 13 episodes
Where to watch: Crunchyroll, Netflix
In the list of Most Addictive Anime Series at position 16 we have ID: Invaded. The central storyline of Invaded focuses on Narihisago, a once-famous detective who is currently incarcerated for killing a serial killer responsible for the murder of one of his family members. Following the tragic loss of his daughter and the suicide of his wife, Narihisago turns to murder. However, this gruesome past allows him to carry out specific assignments for the police department. In this world, technological advancements have made it possible for scientists to access the minds of criminals via an ID well.
15. Naruto
MAL Rating: 7.93
Total number of episodes: 220 episodes
Where to watch: Crunchyroll, Netflix
In the list of Most Addictive Anime Series at position 15 we have Naruto. The storyline of the action-adventure shounen anime revolves around a young orphan named Naruto Uzumaki. He faces ridicule and hostility from the villagers due to the Nine-Tails incident that occurred during his birth. However, Naruto decides to become the Hokage of the village to prove his worth. Through the power of friendship, hard work, guidance from mentors, and support from his friends, the series takes us on a thrilling journey of personal growth from various perspectives.
14. Kamisama Hajimemashita
MAL Rating: 8.05
Total number of episodes: 13 episodes
Where to watch: Crunchyroll, Funimation
In the list of Most Addictive Anime Series at position 14 we have Kamisama Hajimemashita. Nanami Momozono’s luck is seemingly cursed as she undergoes a series of unfortunate events. Her father, who has a gambling addiction, abandoned her, leading to her eviction from her apartment. With nowhere else to turn, she encounters a peculiar man named Mikage, who extends his generosity and takes her to a dilapidated shrine.
Upon arrival, a fox spirit berates her with insults but then surprisingly appoints her as the new Land God of the shrine. Amidst the comical turn of events, Nanami gains a familiar named Tomoe, who now accompanies her on her journey toward godhood.
13. Assassination Classroom
MAL Rating: 8.11
Total number of episodes: 22 episodes
Where to watch: Crunchyroll, Netflix
In the list of Most Addictive Anime Series at position 13 we have Assassination Classroom. Following the destruction of the moon by an enigmatic tentacled entity, the world is plunged into disarray. However, when the creature unexpectedly arrives at a high school and insists on teaching its poorest-performing class, the government is obliged to acquiesce. This introduces us to class 3-E of Kunigigaoka Junior High School, where the pupils are entrusted with the mission of eliminating their instructor.
As Nagisa and Karma, the primary protagonists, and the entire class collaborate, we gain insight into the significance of companionship and the true purpose of teaching.
12. Ouran High School Host Club
MAL Rating: 8.19
Total number of episodes: 26 episodes
Where to watch: Crunchyroll, Funimation
In the list of Most Addictive Anime Series at position 12 we have Ouran High School Host Club. The story of this anime revolves around Haruhi Fujioka, a hardworking student who receives a scholarship to attend the prestigious Ouran Academy. While searching for a peaceful spot, she inadvertently enters the Host Club’s chamber and unintentionally damages a valuable vase from the Renaissance era.
Consequently, the club members hold her responsible for the loss and demand that she works for them as an errand runner until she repays the debt. However, things take an amusing turn, and the situation might not be as terrible as initially assumed.
11. Great Pretender
MAL Rating: 8.33
Total number of episodes: 23 episodes
Where to watch: Crunchyroll, Netflix
In the list of Most Addictive Anime Series at position 11 we have Great Pretender. Makoto Edamura is a self-proclaimed top con man in Japan, but his confidence is shattered when he is tricked by a foreigner and exposed to the authorities. As a result, he is compelled to leave his homeland and ends up in Los Angeles, where he meets the foreigner, Laurent Thierry. In an attempt to reassert his status as a master swindler, Makoto agrees to collaborate with Laurent, who has connections to an international criminal syndicate, to deceive people and reap financial rewards. As the intricate web of deceit and trickery begins to unravel, the charming accomplices of Laurent Thierry take us on a thrilling journey, making the anime visually appealing and captivating.
10. Terror in Resonance
MAL Rating: 8.12
Total number of episodes: 11 episodes
Where to watch: Crunchyroll, Netflix
In the list of Most Addictive Anime Series at position 10 we have Terror in Resonance. After an attack left Tokyo in a state of shock, a peculiar video surfaced on the internet six months later. The video features two boys who identify themselves as the Sphinx and declare their intentions to wreak havoc in the city. This anime centers around the tale of revenge of Nine and Twelve, two boys who have faced a series of unfortunate events at the hands of destiny and the government. As they lead us down a path, we witness the downfall of a city built on lies, deceit, and fabricated accounts, while they expose their heart-wrenching truths.
09. Konosuba: God’s Blessing on This Wonderful World
MAL Rating: 8.14
Total number of episodes: 10 episodes
Where to watch: Crunchyroll
In the list of Most Addictive Anime Series at position 9 we have Konosuba: God’s Blessing on This Wonderful World. Following Kazuma Satou’s hilariously unfortunate demise, he is given a fresh opportunity at life in a realm that resembles a video game. Upon reincarnation in this magical gaming world, he chooses a potentially dreadful partner to join him on his quest. Assigned with the responsibility of vanquishing the evil demon king, and plagued with terrible luck, he embarks on an adventure fraught with mishaps and amusing choices intertwined with peril.
08. Psycho-Pass
MAL Rating- 8.37
Total number of episodes- 22 episodes
Where to watch- Crunchyroll, Funimation
In the list of Most Addictive Anime Series at position 8 we have Psycho-Pass. Set in a dystopian future, this anime thriller follows the story of a Crime Investigation Department, where individuals’ threat level is determined by a device that analyzes their psycho-pass to assess their usefulness to society.
It is here that we are introduced to Akane Tsunemori, a rookie inspector working for the Ministry of Welfare’s Public Safety Bureau. She aspires to safeguard the public and apprehend criminals alongside her exceptional criminal colleagues.
07. One Punch Man
MAL Rating- 8.54
Total number of episodes- 12 episodes
Where to watch- Crunchyroll, Hulu, Netflix
In the list of Most Addictive Anime Series at position 7 we have One Punch Man. The title of the show, One Punch Man, accurately reflects the main character, Saitama, who possesses unmatched strength. However, his ability to defeat any adversary with a single blow leads to a monotonous life. Consequently, Saitama embarks on a journey to search for more challenging opponents, all while forging new friendships.
06. One Piece
MAL Rating- 8.55
Total number of episodes- 973 episodes ONGOING
Where to watch- Funimation, Crunchyroll
In the list of Most Addictive Anime Series at position 6 we have One Piece. The timeless story follows the adventures of a young boy named Monkey D Luffy, who harbors a desire to become not just any pirate, but the King of Pirates and uncover the coveted treasure, One Piece. With an unyielding determination and no crew by his side, he embarks on a journey fraught with challenges, where he encounters various individuals, forges alliances, and travels to reach his ultimate aspirations.
05. Banana Fish
MAL Rating- 8.49
Total number of episodes- 24 episodes
Where to watch- Amazon Prime, Netflix
In the list of Most Addictive Anime Series at position 5 we have Banana Fish. The emotional action anime centers on Ash Lynx, a gang leader in New York who delves into the existence of Banana Fish, a term he learned from his traumatized brother Griffin and is being sought after by the Mafia godfather Dino Golzine. Along the way, he teams up with Eiji Okumura, the assistant of a photographer, and together they uncover the mystery surrounding Banana Fish, amidst the challenges they face.
04 Attack on Titan
MAL Rating- 8.50
Total number of episodes- 25 episodes
Where to watch- Crunchyroll, Funimation
In the list of Most Addictive Anime Series at position 4 we have Attack on Titan. Following the emergence of colossal humanoid Titans, mankind is compelled to take shelter behind protective walls, living in constant apprehension of the unknown dangers that lie outside. However, when the Titans breach the walls, resulting in loss of life and devastation, Eren Yeager and his companions are motivated to take up arms and join the military to fight for their liberty.
03. Your lie in April
MAL Rating- 8.71
Total number of episodes- 22 episodes
Where to watch- Funimation, Crunchyroll, Netflix
In the list of Most Addictive Anime Series at position 3 we have Your lie in April. Kosei Arima was once a celebrated piano prodigy with a wide fan base, but his mother’s death traumatized him, causing him to lose the ability to hear piano sounds and leading him to abandon his dream. However, Kaori Miyazono, a spirited violinist, enters his life years later and urges him to resume playing the piano, leading them both to gain new perspectives as they face their challenges.
02. Steins Gate
MAL Rating- 9.10
Total number of episodes: 24 episodes
Where to watch- Funimation, Crunchyroll
In the list of Most Addictive Anime Series at position 2 we have Steins Gate. The sci-fi anime centers around Rintaro Okabe, a self-proclaimed mad scientist, who discovers that he can send emails back in time and alter the course of events. Along with his friends, he delves into the complex and perplexing subject of time travel, ultimately uncovering some of the nation’s most closely guarded secrets. Despite the loss of some of his companions, Okabe persists in his efforts to rectify past mistakes and create a positive outcome for the future by repeatedly traveling back in time.
01. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
MAL Rating- 9.17
Total number of episodes- 64 episodes
Where to watch- Funimation, Crunchyroll, Netflix
In the list of Most Addictive Anime Series at position 1 we have Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. Edward and Alphonse Elric, who are students of Alchemy, tried to bring back their deceased mother to life but learned the hard way why Alchemy prohibits such an act. In exchange for a limb, a leg, and an entire body, they followed the principle of equivalent exchange and embarked on a quest to obtain the Philosopher’s Stone to regain their original forms. Their path to recovery is riddled with challenges, not just from the military they serve but also from monsters that challenged their perspectives on others.
