For many Akira Toriyama's Dragon Ball was their gateway to anime. The epic series has become one of the most iconic and recognizable anime out there, with even those not all that familiar with anime being able to tell who Goku is without having had to experience the series firsthand.
There's no questioning how great a series Dragon Ball is and how important a role it's played in making anime the international phenomenon it is today. There are still plenty of anime fans who regard it as their favorite series and enjoy rewatching it over and over again. But as the years go on and exciting new titles come out, you start to realize that some series just do things better.
Ranking of Kings
Ranking of Kings is a great series that everyone, from veteran anime fans to newcomers, can enjoy. It seems like a pretty straightforward adventure/fantasy series upon first glance, but it makes some brave narrative choices that absolutely pay off.
The series protagonist, Prince Boji, is deaf, which has earned him the horrible moniker of "The Useless Prince" from those around him. But Boji is a tenacious kid who works hard to overcome his shortcomings in the hopes of being a great king. Having formed an unlikely friendship with a shadow creature named Kage, Boji sets out to prove the people of the kingdom wrong.
Frieren: Beyond Journey's End
Many anime fans consider Frieren to be one of the best modern anime out there. With so many great series releasing over the last few years, Frieren still manages to stand out among the rest. Even though it lost out on Anime of the Year to Solo Leveling, Frieren has amassed a massive following with many eagerly anticipating the arrival of season 2 in 2026.
The series' visuals and animation are top-notch, but what really makes Frieren stand out is its story and characters. The way the series approaches mortality, character relationships, and the passage of time is something that not many anime tend to do. It's definitely a unique series that's worth checking out, even if it's just to see what all the hype is about.
Jujutsu Kaisen
Dragon Ball might still be an absolute powerhouse, but there's no denying that Jujutsu Kaisen is one of the biggest modern shonen out there right now. Though the main manga series is over, a spin-off titled Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo, is currently running in WSJ. The anime is still going strong, too, with season 3 set to release as one of the most anticipated anime of 2026.
JJK is a pretty standard battle shonen, but the incredible visuals courtesy of MAPPA really help it stand out among its contemporaries. Not only does it look amazing, but it has some of the best modern action sequences you'll see. With season 3 set to absolutely break the internet when it comes out and Modulo doing some interesting things, the future looks bright for JJK.
Attack on Titan
Not many series end up becoming as big as Attack on Titan was in its heyday. Though the series is still incredibly popular, at its peak, it rivaled titles like Dragon Ball, One Piece, and Naruto. Though it's over now, that doesn't make it any less worth checking out if you haven't done so yet.
The ending might have caused a lot of discourse online, some of it pretty heated, but there's no denying that Attack on Titan has some of the best worldbuilding and character development in anime. It's an incredible ride from start to finish, full of emotionally devastating moments, shocking reveals, incredible action, and amazing voice acting.
Vinland Saga
If you're looking for an epic story that'll have you hooked from the start, look no further than Vinland Saga. Though it has many historical elements, a lot of Vinland Saga is rooted in fiction, making it an easy watch for those unfamiliar with the time period.
The series can get pretty heavy, which might not be for everyone, but its incredible narrative and characters really make it a worthwhile watch. It might not always get the love it deserves, but Vinland Saga definitely earned its reputation as one of the best modern series out there.
Fate/Zero
Over the last two decades, the Fate series has become an absolute monster, branching out from independently made visual novels to various anime, manga, and game spin-offs with tons of merchandise to boot. While the Fate/stay night visual novel is great and has tons of fans, the prequel series, Fate/Zero might have the stronger story.
Zero has all the urban fantasy elements of the original, but amps up the stakes with a more adult cast and a devastating Grail War that follows the adoptive father of the visual novel's protagonist, Kiritsugu Emiya. Kiritsugu is a fascinating character, whose strict utilitarian philosophy either makes him seem like a deeply tragic figure or an incredibly flawed one, depending on who you ask. The series has an amazing cast of characters, each with their own unique viewpoints, circumstances, and goals. You might not feel too good by the end of it, but Zero will have you invested for every minute of every episode.
Dragon Ball
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 1986 - 1989
- Network
- Fuji TV
Cast
-
Masako NozawaSon Goku (voice) -
Mayumi TanakaKrillin (voice)
WHERE TO WATCH
Goku, a young, powerful boy with a tail, spends his days hunting and living off the land. His life changes when he meets Bulma, a teen genius on a quest to collect seven magical Dragon Balls that summon a dragon capable of granting any wish. Together, they set off on an adventure filled with powerful martial arts battles, formidable foes, and unlikely alliances.
- Studio
- Toei Animation
- Number of Episodes
- 153
- Streaming Service(s)
- Crunchyroll, Hulu
- MyAnimeList Score
- 7.97
- Creator(s)
- Akira Toriyama
