Summary
- The highest-rated anime episodes on IMDb go from teary, emotional ones to high-octane excitement.
- Legendary episodes showcase epic battles and key emotional, plot moments.
- Top-rated episodes from series like One Piece and Attack on Titan deliver some of the best action and engaging storytelling.
Within the vast array of anime series out there, each episode of an anime series portrays a different kind of emotion, ranging from boiling excitement to moments that tug at the heartstrings. While various anime episodes weigh very differently in the hearts of fans, the Internet Movie Database, IMDb, has a list of anime episodes it rates the highest. As these episodes are compiled through a weighted mean method, there is a degree of accuracy to them.
From tear-jerking moments to moments of extreme surprise, the highest-rated IMDb anime episodes stand at the peak of their respective series, some more than others.
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Updated November 26, 2024, by Oluwatokiloba Folami: No two anime shows are made the same, so, ratings among them would undoubtedly vary. In terms of rating anime shows, things like the emotions they portray, the direction of the episode, and the storytelling finesse all play an important role. Of course, despite the varying elements to which anime episodes are portrayed, some shows have stood the test of time and garnered the highest-ranking episodes—at least, according to IMDb. With incredible elements, the highest-rated anime episodes are episodes that fans can watch over and over again and portray a wide range of emotions, from bittersweet moments to pure excitement.
22 “The Pirate King Is Born: Arriving At The Last Island”
IMDb Rating: 9.5
- Name of Series: One Piece
One Piece has a lot of great episodes, particularly episodes where ancient secrets are revealed, epic battles are portrayed, or mysteries that help fans know more about the Pirate King, Laugh Tale, and One Piece itself. In this episode, Gol D. Roger’s journey around the world to find the various poneglyphs are portrayed, and finally, he reaches the last island, Laugh Tale.
Regardless of what fans were expecting on Gol D. Roger reaching the final island, he defies all expectations by doing one thing and one thing only—laughing. With this episode, a historical moment is portrayed. The very moment Gol D. Roger became the Pirate king in deed and in truth. And for that, it serves as one of One Piece’s best.
21 “A Barrage Of Powerful Techniques! The Fierce Attacks Of The Worst Generation!”
IMDb Rating: 9.5
- Name of Series: One Piece
Every battle between the Worst Generation and Kaido was incredible. While they eventually split up to tackle both Emperors of the Sea at the time, Kaido and Big Mom, Episode 1017 was before the split. Seeing the three captains, Luffy, Law, and Kid, alongside Zoro and Killer, tackle two Emperors of the Sea simultaneously was simply splendid. In their vision to lead the next generation, they confronted the past and sought to put an end to them.
Moreover, they showed up as worthy competitors. The direction of the episode, the epic action, the background tracks, and the sheer intensity of their attacks make this episode one that fans can watch over and over again and get excited every time. It's an episode truly deserving of its IMDb rating.
20 "Kanashiki Kettou: Luffy Tai Sanji (Kouhen)"
IMDb Rating: 9.6
- Name of Series: One Piece
During the events of the Whole Cake Island saga in the One Piece series, fans bore witness to one of the saddest episodes of all. Sanji disobeys and disrespects his captain in an effort to save his life, even though said captain risks it all to save him (Sanji) from the clutches of the Big Mom pirates.
Seeing the ever-cheerful and energetic cook cry, fans were left in awe of what the series had in store for them. As Sanji parted from Luffy, telling him to never show his face again, Luffy remained determined to wait for him, come rain and pirates.
19 “From You, 2000 Years Ago”
IMDb Rating: 9.7
- Name of Series: Attack on Titan
For a long time in the Attack On Titan anime series, Eren has desired to activate the rumbling. However, his friends and Zeke Yeager were hell-bent on getting in his way. While in the paths shortly before activating the rumbling, Eren met Ymir and spoke to her. In the episode, the true origin of the Titans and how the Eldians came to be in power are explored, and it’s by no means pretty.
Ymir suffered and simply continually created Titans, carrying out King Fritz’s orders despite the passage of 2000 years. However, with Eren, he finally helps her see that she has a choice in how she uses the Titan power, and suddenly, the Titans in the wall begin to emerge, sending fans and characters alike, into a frenzy.
18 "Hero"
IMDb Rating: 9.7
- Name of Series: Attack on Titan
Of the many Attack on Titan episodes, "Hero," which features Levi versus the Beast Titan, remains one of the best. The episode showcases Zeke as he finishes off the Scout Regiment recruits before he comes into contact with Levi. However, when he comes into contact with the captain, Zeke is unable to do anything. The beast is rendered helpless in the face of human might.
After delivering the intense fight scene between Zeke and Levi, the episode Hero also shows how Armin and Eren defeat Bertholdt, the Colossal Titan. Unfortunately, Armin is burned to a crisp at the end of the battle.
17 "Perfect Game"
IMDb Rating: 9.7
- Name of Series: Attack on Titan
Prior to "Hero," "Perfect Game" portrays the battle against the Colossal and Beast Titans on two fronts. Eren, Mikasa, and Armin try to stop the Colossal Titan, which easily blows them away with the steam it emanates.
Attack On Titan: The Colossal Titan, Explained
Described as a "God of Destruction," the Colossal Titan is an icon of the series and casts a towering shadow over all that stands before it.
Meanwhile, Erwin, Levi, and some new recruits remain the only ones alive from the Beast Titan’s bombardment of rocks. As Erwin decides to lead a suicide charge so that Levi can sneak up on the Beast Titan, the new recruits cower in fear, but Erwin rallies them with a heartfelt speech.
16 "Warrior"
IMDb Rating: 9.7
- Name of Series: Attack on Titan
While the scouts are atop Wall Rose and planning to regroup at Trost, they discuss what to do with Ymir, who has been discovered to be a Titan. Meanwhile, Reiner and Bertholdt begin to reveal the truth of their identities to Eren. Refusing to believe them, Eren dismisses their talk as nonsense until Reiner shows him his healing abilities.
As Reiner and Bertholdt transform into the Armored and Colossal Titans, respectively, Eren is left in shock as Reiner grabs him. After being momentarily shocked that his two friends are traitors and wish to capture him, Eren accepts the fact and transforms into his Titan form as he prepares to take on Reiner.
15 "Daichi No Hate"
IMDb Rating: 9.7
Clannad: After Story
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget Display card main info widget end Display card media widget start Display card media widget end- Creator
- Key
- Studio
- Kyoto Animation
- Number of Episodes
- 24
- Streaming Service(s)
- HIDIVE
Clannad After Story showcases the lives of Tomoya Okazaki and Nagisa Furukawa after graduating from high school, as they get married and have a daughter together. Unfortunately, after Nagisa successfully gave birth to her daughter, Ushio, she passed away. Tomoya, shaken and distraught, decides to leave Ushio in the care of Nagisa’s parents and goes away, leading a life of smoking and drinking.
The episode "Daichi no Hate" shows Tomoya and his daughter, who is now five years old, reconnecting. As Tomoya comes to terms with his wife’s death and his daughter's birth, fans witness a tear-jerking moment between family members.
14 "Memories Of The Future"
IMDb Rating: 9.7
- Name of Series: Attack on Titan
After Eren is decapitated in the previous episode, " Two Brothers," he appears alongside Zeke in the Path, where Zeke tries to show Eren Grisha’s true colors. However, Zeke is shocked when he discovers that Eren had influenced many of Grisha’s decisions and was downright controlling Grisha Jaeger from the future.
Throughout the series, many fans wondered what special power the Attack Titan had, but when it was revealed to be the sending of memories to past and future holders, Zeke and many fans were left stunned. As Zeke is astounded by what he sees in Grisha’s memories, he notices Grisha, who begs him to stop Eren, as he would get what he wants, which would be catastrophic.
13 "Two Brothers"
IMDb Rating: 9.7
- Name of Series: Attack on Titan
After Zeke and Eren were revealed to be brothers in the Attack On Titan series, many more dastardly plots came to light. In the " Two Brothers " episode, Colt desperately begs Zeke to allow Falco to get out of the range of his scream before he transforms the soldiers who ingested his spinal fluid into Titans. While Zeke empathizes with Colt, he screams anyway, turning all the soldiers who ingested his fluid into Titans.
Attack On Titan: 11 Saddest Moments
Attack on Titan is a tragic show, full of betrayal and character deaths. As a result, there are some very sad moments throughout the series.
As the battle progresses, Eren pins down Reiner while Zeke plays dead. Meanwhile, as Eren makes an effort to reach his brother, Gabi comes out of nowhere and decapitates the unassuming Eren with a rifle. The possible death of Eren Yeager at the hands of Gabi Braun sends fans into a frenzy of shock, making the episode well-loved.