All Anime that were once in the 10 highest rated (Part 1)
Anime
An extension of https://myanimelist.net/stacks/4296 (All anime that used to be #1 rated), showing all anime that were in the top 10 (or rated a 9 or above) at some point. Description will have the day they first entered along with the rank they attained and what score, along with the highest rank and score it attained. Note: The highest score isn't necessarily the score it had when it had the peak rank. Found with the Wayback Machine (https://web.archive.org/). The website has existed since November of 2004, however the earliest crawl on the Wayback Machine is on May 11, 2006. If anyone knows how to access a copy of the website before that date, please send me a message, I'm very curious.
Note: In the early days of MAL (from November 7, 2006 until August 26, 2007), there wasn't a unified top 10 list, but instead 3 separate lists for TV shows, OVAs and movies. So I'm counting the top 10 for TV series and top 5 for OVAs and Movies. I've organized them by date entered, though it's a bit sloppy and front loaded from the initial creation of the site, I apologize.
If anyone notices any issues, please let me know!
Part 2: https://myanimelist.net/stacks/35388
This list, but for manga: https://myanimelist.net/stacks/34596
This list, but for movies: https://myanimelist.net/stacks/42391
This list, but for the most popular anime: https://myanimelist.net/stacks/41787
Note: In the early days of MAL (from November 7, 2006 until August 26, 2007), there wasn't a unified top 10 list, but instead 3 separate lists for TV shows, OVAs and movies. So I'm counting the top 10 for TV series and top 5 for OVAs and Movies. I've organized them by date entered, though it's a bit sloppy and front loaded from the initial creation of the site, I apologize.
If anyone notices any issues, please let me know!
Part 2: https://myanimelist.net/stacks/35388
This list, but for manga: https://myanimelist.net/stacks/34596
This list, but for movies: https://myanimelist.net/stacks/42391
This list, but for the most popular anime: https://myanimelist.net/stacks/41787
TV, 2003,
51 eps
Me:-
Author:9
First entered: May 11, 2006 (#1, 8.80)
Highest: #1, 8.84
Studio: Bones
Genre/Demographic: Drama, Action, Shounen
Highest: #1, 8.84
Studio: Bones
Genre/Demographic: Drama, Action, Shounen
Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan - Tsuioku-hen
Samurai X: Trust and Betrayal
OVA, 1999,
4 eps
Me:-
Author:9
First entered: May 11, 2006 (#2, 8.68)
Highest: #1 for OVAs, #1 overall, 9.01
Studio: Studio Deen
Genre/Demographic: Drama, Samurai, Historical, Action, Romance, Tragedy, Shounen
Note: The second anime on the database to reach a score of 9.00 and the first of two OVA series to reach that score.
Highest: #1 for OVAs, #1 overall, 9.01
Studio: Studio Deen
Genre/Demographic: Drama, Samurai, Historical, Action, Romance, Tragedy, Shounen
Note: The second anime on the database to reach a score of 9.00 and the first of two OVA series to reach that score.
TV, 2003,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:-
First entered: May 11, 2006 (#3, 8.55)
Highest: #3, 8.62
Studio: Kyoto Animation
Genre: Comedy, Sci-Fi, Mecha
Note: The first anime based on a novel series to enter the top 10.
Highest: #3, 8.62
Studio: Kyoto Animation
Genre: Comedy, Sci-Fi, Mecha
Note: The first anime based on a novel series to enter the top 10.
TV, 1999,
62 eps
Me:-
Author:-
First entered: May 11, 2006 (#4, 8.51)
Highest: #4, 8.60
Studio: Nippon Animation
Genre/Demographic: Adventure, Action, Shounen
Highest: #4, 8.60
Studio: Nippon Animation
Genre/Demographic: Adventure, Action, Shounen
TV, 2004,
366 eps
Me:-
Author:8
First entered: May 11, 2006 (#5, 8,44)
Highest: #5, 8.45
Studio: Pierrot
Genre/Demographic: Action, Supernatural, Shounen
Highest: #5, 8.45
Studio: Pierrot
Genre/Demographic: Action, Supernatural, Shounen
TV, 1998,
26 eps
Me:-
Author:10
First entered: May 11, 2006 (#6, 8.39)
Highest: #4, 8.80
Studio: Sunrise
Genre: Action, Sci-Fi, Crime
Note: The first anime added to the database.
Highest: #4, 8.80
Studio: Sunrise
Genre: Action, Sci-Fi, Crime
Note: The first anime added to the database.
Cowboy Bebop: Tengoku no Tobira
Cowboy Bebop: The Movie
Movie, 2001,
1 ep
Me:-
Author:8
First entered: May 11, 2006 (#7, 8.37)
Highest: #5 for movies, #7 overall, 8.38
Studio: Bones
Genre: Action, Sci-Fi, Crime
Highest: #5 for movies, #7 overall, 8.38
Studio: Bones
Genre: Action, Sci-Fi, Crime
TV, 1999,
43 eps
Me:-
Author:9
First entered: May 11, 2006 (#8, 8.33)
Highest: #4, 8.85
Studio: Pierrot
Genre/Demographic: Comedy, Drama, School, Shounen
Highest: #4, 8.85
Studio: Pierrot
Genre/Demographic: Comedy, Drama, School, Shounen
Mai-HiME
My-Hime
TV, 2004,
26 eps
Me:-
Author:-
First entered: May 11, 2006 (#9, 8.31)
Highest: #9, 8.31
Studio: Sunrise
Genre: Magical Girl, Girl's Love, Action
Highest: #9, 8.31
Studio: Sunrise
Genre: Magical Girl, Girl's Love, Action
TV, 1999,
? eps
Me:-
Author:9
First entered: May 11, 2006 (#10, 8.27)
Highest: #2, 8.71
Studio: Toei Animation
Genre/Demographic: Adventure, Action, Comedy, Fantasy, Shounen
Note: The longest series on this list, but that goes without saying.
Highest: #2, 8.71
Studio: Toei Animation
Genre/Demographic: Adventure, Action, Comedy, Fantasy, Shounen
Note: The longest series on this list, but that goes without saying.
Mononoke Hime
Princess Mononoke
Movie, 1997,
1 ep
Me:-
Author:9
First entered: August 20, 2006 (#6, 8.49)
Highest: #1 for movies, #6 overall, 8.81
Studio: Studio Ghibli
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Highest: #1 for movies, #6 overall, 8.81
Studio: Studio Ghibli
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuuutsu
The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya
TV, 2006,
14 eps
Me:-
Author:3
First entered: August 20, 2006 (#7, 8.47)
Highest: #2, 8.81
Studio: Kyoto Animation
Genre: Mystery, School, Supernatural, Sci-Fi
Highest: #2, 8.81
Studio: Kyoto Animation
Genre: Mystery, School, Supernatural, Sci-Fi
Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi
Spirited Away
Movie, 2001,
1 ep
Me:-
Author:9
First entered: August 20, 2006 (#9, 8.45)
Highest: #2 for movies, #9 overall, 8.93
Studio: Studio Ghibli
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Supernatural
Note: Holds the most widespread acclaim of anything on this list, being regularly considered one of the greatest pieces of animation of all time by audiences and critics around the world.
Highest: #2 for movies, #9 overall, 8.93
Studio: Studio Ghibli
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Supernatural
Note: Holds the most widespread acclaim of anything on this list, being regularly considered one of the greatest pieces of animation of all time by audiences and critics around the world.
Howl no Ugoku Shiro
Howl's Moving Castle
Movie, 2004,
1 ep
Me:-
Author:10
First entered: August 20, 2006 (#10, 8.44)
Highest: #2 for movies, #10 overall, 8.66
Studio: Studio Ghibli
Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Adventure
Note: The only anime based on western media to enter the top 10.
Highest: #2 for movies, #10 overall, 8.66
Studio: Studio Ghibli
Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Adventure
Note: The only anime based on western media to enter the top 10.
School Rumble Ni Gakki
School Rumble: 2nd Semester
TV, 2006,
26 eps
Me:-
Author:-
First entered: October 23, 2006 (#8, 8.47)
Highest: #8, 8.47
Studio: Studio Comet
Genre/Demographic: Romantic Comedy, School, Shounen
Highest: #8, 8.47
Studio: Studio Comet
Genre/Demographic: Romantic Comedy, School, Shounen
Hajime no Ippo
Fighting Spirit
TV, 2000,
75 eps
Me:-
Author:10
First entered: October 23, 2006 (#9, 8.46)
Highest: #1, 8.94
Studio: Madhouse
Genre/Demographic: Action, Sports, Coming of Age, Shounen
Highest: #1, 8.94
Studio: Madhouse
Genre/Demographic: Action, Sports, Coming of Age, Shounen
Ouran Koukou Host Club
Ouran High School Host Club
TV, 2006,
26 eps
Me:-
Author:7
First entered: October 23, 2006 (#10, 8.45)
Highest: #4, 8.81
Studio: Bones
Genre/Demographic: Romantic Comedy, School, Shoujo
Highest: #4, 8.81
Studio: Bones
Genre/Demographic: Romantic Comedy, School, Shoujo
TV, 2006,
37 eps
Me:-
Author:9
First entered: November 7, 2006 (#4 for TV series, 8.63)
Highest: #1, 8.97
Studio: Madhouse
Genre/Demographic: Mystery, Drama, Supernatural, Psychological, Crime, Shounen
Note: The only anime to have held the title of both the #1 highest rated and #1 most popular, albeit at different times.
Highest: #1, 8.97
Studio: Madhouse
Genre/Demographic: Mystery, Drama, Supernatural, Psychological, Crime, Shounen
Note: The only anime to have held the title of both the #1 highest rated and #1 most popular, albeit at different times.
Hotaru no Haka
Grave of the Fireflies
Movie, 1988,
1 ep
Me:-
Author:10
First entered: November 7, 2006 (#4 for movies, 8.47)
Highest: #2 for movies, #22 overall, 8.61
Studio: Studio Ghibli
Genre: Historical, Drama, Tragedy
Highest: #2 for movies, #22 overall, 8.61
Studio: Studio Ghibli
Genre: Historical, Drama, Tragedy
One Piece Movie 04: Dead End no Bouken
One Piece: Dead End Adventure
Movie, 2003,
1 ep
Me:-
Author:5
First entered: November 7, 2006 (#5 for movies, 8.32)
Highest: #5 for movies, #24 overall, 8.32
Studio: Toei Animation
Genre: Action, Adventure
Highest: #5 for movies, #24 overall, 8.32
Studio: Toei Animation
Genre: Action, Adventure
OVA, 2002,
8 eps
Me:-
Author:-
First entered: November 7, 2006 (#2 for OVAs, 8.55)
Highest: #2 for OVAs, #14 overall, 8.57
Studio: Nippon Animation
Genre/Demographic: Adventure, Action, Shounen
Highest: #2 for OVAs, #14 overall, 8.57
Studio: Nippon Animation
Genre/Demographic: Adventure, Action, Shounen
OVA, 2004,
14 eps
Me:-
Author:-
First entered: November 7, 2006 (#3 for OVAs, 8.47)
Highest: #3 for OVAs, #12 overall, 8.52
Studio: Nippon Animation
Genre/Demographic: Adventure, Action, Isekai, Shounen
Highest: #3 for OVAs, #12 overall, 8.52
Studio: Nippon Animation
Genre/Demographic: Adventure, Action, Isekai, Shounen
OVA, 2003,
8 eps
Me:-
Author:-
First entered: November 7, 2006 (#4 for OVAs, 8.46)
Highest: #3 for OVAs, #12 overall, 8.50
Studio: Nippon Animation
Genre/Demographic: Adventure, Action, Isekai, Shounen
Highest: #3 for OVAs, #12 overall, 8.50
Studio: Nippon Animation
Genre/Demographic: Adventure, Action, Isekai, Shounen
OVA, 2006,
10 eps
Me:-
Author:9
First entered: November 7, 2006 (#5 for OVAs, 8.36)
Highest: #2 for OVAs, #23 overall, 8.57
Studio: Madhouse, Satelight, Asahi Production, Marvy Jack, Graphinica, and Studio Kelmadick
Genre/Demographic: Action, Horror, Seinen
Note: The first of 5 remakes to enter the top 10.
Highest: #2 for OVAs, #23 overall, 8.57
Studio: Madhouse, Satelight, Asahi Production, Marvy Jack, Graphinica, and Studio Kelmadick
Genre/Demographic: Action, Horror, Seinen
Note: The first of 5 remakes to enter the top 10.
Movie, 2005,
1 ep
Me:-
Author:5
First entered: November 14, 2006 (#5 for movies, 8.33)
Highest: #4 for movies, #14 overall, 8.35
Studio: Square Enix Visual Works
Genre: Action, Fantasy
Note: The only anime based on a video game to enter the top 10.
Highest: #4 for movies, #14 overall, 8.35
Studio: Square Enix Visual Works
Genre: Action, Fantasy
Note: The only anime based on a video game to enter the top 10.
Tonari no Totoro
My Neighbor Totoro
Movie, 1988,
1 ep
Me:-
Author:8
First entered: February 13, 2007 (#5 for movies, 8.32)
Highest: #5 for movies, #39 overall, 8.50
Studio: Studio Ghibli
Genre: Fantasy, Supernatural
Highest: #5 for movies, #39 overall, 8.50
Studio: Studio Ghibli
Genre: Fantasy, Supernatural
Mushishi
Mushi-Shi
TV, 2005,
26 eps
Me:-
Author:-
First entered: March 1, 2007 (#10 for TV series, #8.54)
Highest: #5, 8.91
Studio: Artland
Genre/Demographic: Iyashikei, Supernatural, Historical, Seinen
Highest: #5, 8.91
Studio: Artland
Genre/Demographic: Iyashikei, Supernatural, Historical, Seinen
TV, 2006,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:-
First entered: April 9, 2007 (#10 for TV series, 8.55)
Highest: #10, 8.55
Studio: Madhouse
Genre/Demographic: Action, Crime, Seinen
Highest: #10, 8.55
Studio: Madhouse
Genre/Demographic: Action, Crime, Seinen
Code Geass: Hangyaku no Lelouch
Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion
TV, 2006,
25 eps
Me:-
Author:5
First entered: May 5, 2007 (#10 for TV series, 8.57)
Highest: #5, 8.84
Studio: Sunrise
Genre: Drama, Sci-Fi, Mecha, School
Highest: #5, 8.84
Studio: Sunrise
Genre: Drama, Sci-Fi, Mecha, School
Byousoku 5 Centimeter
5 Centimeters per Second
Movie, 2007,
3 eps
Me:-
Author:4
First entered: May 5, 2007 (#5 for movies, 8.40)
Highest: #2 for movies, #16 overall, 8.78
Studio: Comix Wave Films
Genre: Romance, Drama
Highest: #2 for movies, #16 overall, 8.78
Studio: Comix Wave Films
Genre: Romance, Drama
Toki wo Kakeru Shoujo
The Girl Who Leapt Through Time
Movie, 2006,
1 ep
Me:-
Author:8
First entered: May 14, 2007 (#2 for movies, 8.68)
Highest: #1 for movies, #3 overall, 9.01
Studio: Madhouse
Genre: Drama, Romance, Supernatural, Time Travel
Note: The first anime on the database to reach a score of 9.00 on August 16, 2007
Highest: #1 for movies, #3 overall, 9.01
Studio: Madhouse
Genre: Drama, Romance, Supernatural, Time Travel
Note: The first anime on the database to reach a score of 9.00 on August 16, 2007
TV, 2004,
74 eps
Me:-
Author:-
First entered: June 27, 2007 (#6 for TV series, 8.82)
Highest: #2, 8.89
Studio: Madhouse
Genre/Demographic: Mystery, Drama, Psychological, Crime, Seinen
Highest: #2, 8.89
Studio: Madhouse
Genre/Demographic: Mystery, Drama, Psychological, Crime, Seinen
TV, 2007,
26 eps
Me:-
Author:-
First entered: August 16, 2007 (#8 for TV series, 8.80)
Highest: #8, 8.80
Studio: Madhouse
Genre/Demographic: Dark Fantasy, Action, Horror, Adventure, Shounen
Highest: #8, 8.80
Studio: Madhouse
Genre/Demographic: Dark Fantasy, Action, Horror, Adventure, Shounen
Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann
Gurren Lagann
TV, 2007,
27 eps
Me:-
Author:8
First entered: September 18, 2007 (#6, 8.81)
Highest: #1, 9.03
Studio: Gainax
Genre: Sci-Fi, Mecha, Action
Highest: #1, 9.03
Studio: Gainax
Genre: Sci-Fi, Mecha, Action
Tsubasa: Tokyo Revelations
Tsubasa RESERVoir CHRoNiCLE: Tokyo Revelations
OVA, 2007,
3 eps
Me:-
Author:-
First entered: March 20, 2008 (#10, 8.78)
Highest: #10, 8.78
Studio: Production I.G.
Genre/Demographic: Action, Adventure, Drama, Romance, Shounen
Highest: #10, 8.78
Studio: Production I.G.
Genre/Demographic: Action, Adventure, Drama, Romance, Shounen
Code Geass: Hangyaku no Lelouch R2
Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion R2
TV, 2008,
25 eps
Me:-
Author:4
First entered: April 16, 2008 (#7, 8.87)
Highest: #3, 9.00
Studio: Sunrise
Genre: Drama, Sci-Fi, Mecha, School
Highest: #3, 9.00
Studio: Sunrise
Genre: Drama, Sci-Fi, Mecha, School
TV, 2008,
13 eps
Me:-
Author:-
First entered: May 23, 2008 (#9, 8.83)
Highest: #3, 8.94
Studio: HAL Film Maker
Genre/Demographic: Iyashikei, Sci-Fi, Slice of Life, Shounen
Highest: #3, 8.94
Studio: HAL Film Maker
Genre/Demographic: Iyashikei, Sci-Fi, Slice of Life, Shounen
Ginga Eiyuu Densetsu
Legend of the Galactic Heroes
OVA, 1988,
110 eps
Me:-
Author:4
First entered: December 1, 2008 (#7, 8.90)
Highest: #1, 9.13
Studio: K-Factory and Kitty Film Mitaka Studio
Genre: Sci-Fi, Drama
Note: The oldest anime to reach the top 10, starting on January 8, 1988. Also the highest rated an OVA series has been on the database.
Highest: #1, 9.13
Studio: K-Factory and Kitty Film Mitaka Studio
Genre: Sci-Fi, Drama
Note: The oldest anime to reach the top 10, starting on January 8, 1988. Also the highest rated an OVA series has been on the database.
Kara no Kyoukai Movie 5: Mujun Rasen
The Garden of Sinners Chapter 5: Paradox Spiral
Movie, 2008,
1 ep
Me:-
Author:-
First entered: February 9, 2009 (#1, 9.05)
Highest: #1, 9.06
Studio: Ufotable
Genre: Action, Drama, Mystery, Supernatural
Note: The first of four movies to take the #1 spot and the first anime based on a novel series to take the #1 spot.
Highest: #1, 9.06
Studio: Ufotable
Genre: Action, Drama, Mystery, Supernatural
Note: The first of four movies to take the #1 spot and the first anime based on a novel series to take the #1 spot.
TV, 2008,
24 eps
Me:-
Author:10
First entered: July 7, 2009 (#4, 8.96)
Highest: #1, 9.16
Studio: Kyoto Animation
Genre: Romance, Drama, Coming of Age, Supernatural
Note: The first anime based on a visual novel to enter the top 10.
Highest: #1, 9.16
Studio: Kyoto Animation
Genre: Romance, Drama, Coming of Age, Supernatural
Note: The first anime based on a visual novel to enter the top 10.
Hajime no Ippo: New Challenger
Fighting Spirit: New Challenger
TV, 2009,
26 eps
Me:-
Author:10
First entered: July 7, 2009 (#7, 8.93)
Highest: #7, 8.93
Studio: Madhouse
Genre/Demographic: Action, Sports, Coming of Age, Shounen
Highest: #7, 8.93
Studio: Madhouse
Genre/Demographic: Action, Sports, Coming of Age, Shounen
Suzumiya Haruhi no Shoushitsu
The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya
Movie, 2010,
1 ep
Me:-
Author:3
First entered: June 11, 2010 (#1, 9.13)
Highest: #1, 9.15
Studio: Kyoto Animation
Genre: Mystery, School, Supernatural, Sci-Fi, Psychological
Highest: #1, 9.15
Studio: Kyoto Animation
Genre: Mystery, School, Supernatural, Sci-Fi, Psychological
TV, 2006,
201 eps
Me:-
Author:8
First entered: June 11, 2010 (#2, 9.10)
Highest: #1, 9.12
Studio: Sunrise
Genre/Demographic: Comedy, Sci-Fi, Samurai, Shounen
Highest: #1, 9.12
Studio: Sunrise
Genre/Demographic: Comedy, Sci-Fi, Samurai, Shounen
Evangelion Movie 2: Ha
Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance
Movie, 2009,
1 ep
Me:-
Author:-
First entered: June 11, 2010 (#5, 9.00)
Highest: #5, 9.01
Studio: Khara
Genre: Sci-Fi, Mecha, Drama, Coming of Age, Psychological
Highest: #5, 9.01
Studio: Khara
Genre: Sci-Fi, Mecha, Drama, Coming of Age, Psychological
TV, 2009,
64 eps
Me:-
Author:9
First entered: July 29, 2010 (#1, 9.16)
Highest: #1, 9.26
Studio: Bones
Genre/Demographic: Action, Drama, Shounen
Note: Has spent the most amount of time in the #1 spot. No matter how many things take the throne, it always stabilizes back to FMAB. Also the highest rated a remake has been, but that goes without saying.
Highest: #1, 9.26
Studio: Bones
Genre/Demographic: Action, Drama, Shounen
Note: Has spent the most amount of time in the #1 spot. No matter how many things take the throne, it always stabilizes back to FMAB. Also the highest rated a remake has been, but that goes without saying.
Gintama'
Gintama Season 2
TV, 2011,
51 eps
Me:-
Author:8
First entered: April 22, 2011 (#1, 9.48)
Highest: #1, 9.48
Studio: Sunrise
Genre/Demographis: Comedy, Sci-Fi, Samurai, Shounen
Highest: #1, 9.48
Studio: Sunrise
Genre/Demographis: Comedy, Sci-Fi, Samurai, Shounen
Mahou Shoujo Madoka★Magica
Puella Magi Madoka Magica
TV, 2011,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:10
First entered: April 30, 2011 (#9, 8.93)
Highest: #9, 8.93
Studio: Shaft
Genre: Magical Girl, Suspense, Drama, Horror, Psychological, Tragedy
Highest: #9, 8.93
Studio: Shaft
Genre: Magical Girl, Suspense, Drama, Horror, Psychological, Tragedy
TV, 2011,
24 eps
Me:-
Author:9
First entered: November 22, 2011 (#3, 9.12)
Highest: #1, 9.19
Studio: White Fox
Genre: Drama, Sci-Fi, Time Travel, Tragedy, Suspense, Psychological
Note: Tied with Steins;Gate 0 for the highest score achieved by an anime based on a visul novel, however this one held the #1 spot while 0 only made it to #3 at best.
Highest: #1, 9.19
Studio: White Fox
Genre: Drama, Sci-Fi, Time Travel, Tragedy, Suspense, Psychological
Note: Tied with Steins;Gate 0 for the highest score achieved by an anime based on a visul novel, however this one held the #1 spot while 0 only made it to #3 at best.
Fate/Zero 2nd Season
Fate/Zero Season 2
TV, 2012,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:9
First entered: April 21, 2012 (#8, 8.99)
Highest: #8, 9.02
Studio: Ufotable
Genre: Action, Fantasy, Supernatural
Highest: #8, 9.02
Studio: Ufotable
Genre: Action, Fantasy, Supernatural
Gintama': Enchousen
Gintama: Enchousen
TV, 2012,
13 eps
Me:-
Author:7
First entered: October 25, 2012 (#2, 9.22)
Highest: #2, 9.22
Studio: Sunrise
Genre/Demographic: Comedy, Sci-Fi, Samurai, Shounen
Highest: #2, 9.22
Studio: Sunrise
Genre/Demographic: Comedy, Sci-Fi, Samurai, Shounen
