October 22nd is celebrated as “Anime Day” in Japan. This special day was established in 2017 to commemorate the release of Japan’s first full-color animated feature film, `Hakuja-den` (The White Snake Enchantress), on the same date in 1958.
Over half a century later, countless anime works have been created in Japan. Everyone likely holds a cherished anime in their heart, perhaps one they watched repeatedly as a child, or one that profoundly reshaped their values as an adult.
With this in mind, Anime! Anime! conducted a reader survey titled “What is your life’s best anime?” The survey ran from October 11th to October 16th and garnered 705 responses. The gender breakdown was approximately 45 percent male and 55 percent female, showing a slight majority of female participants. The age demographic was largely young, with about 45 percent of respondents being 19 years old or younger. This article presents the top three anime for each age group.
■ 10s Readers’ Life’s Best Anime
Life’s Best
The anime that garnered the most votes as “Life’s Best Anime” among 10s readers was **`Gintama`**.
`Gintama` is a sci-fi period drama set in an Edo period Japan that has been opened to foreigners by aliens. The story follows the protagonist, Sakata Gintoki, who runs the odd-jobs business Yorozuya and takes on various requests. The TV anime adaptation began broadcasting in 2006. Readers praised its unique blend of humor and emotion, with comments such as: “`Gintama` is always hilarious! The longer arcs are incredibly moving. When I’m feeling down, watching the outrageous episodes helps me forget all my worries and just have fun.” and “The balance between comedy and seriousness, the narrative, the world-building, and the battle scenes are all outstanding. It’s truly the best.” Its ability to deliver both laughter and tears resonated deeply with fans.
Other long-running series like `Bungou Stray Dogs`, `Meitantei Konan` (Detective Conan), `Kimetsu no Yaiba` (Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba), `Shingeki no Kyojin` (Attack on Titan), and `Boku no Hero Academia` (My Hero Academia) also received numerous votes.
Best 2
Chosen as the “Life’s Best 2 Anime” was **`Kimetsu no Yaiba`**.
`Kimetsu no Yaiba` is an adventure epic where the protagonist, Kamado Tanjirou, whose family was slaughtered by demons, joins the Demon Slayer Corps to turn his demon-turned sister, Nezuko, back into a human. The TV anime began airing in 2019, and currently, `Gekijouban “Kimetsu no Yaiba” Mugenjo-hen Dai Isshou Akaza Sairai` (Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie – Mugen Castle Arc Chapter 1: Akaza Returns) is showing in theaters. Fans were particularly moved by the bonds between the characters, especially the sibling love between Tanjirou and Nezuko, with comments such as: “`Kimetsu no Yaiba` was the first anime that ever made me cry. It portrayed people’s farewells in various forms, teaching me that being with family is truly irreplaceable.” and “It made me realize that because humans are weak and fleeting, they are beautiful and precious.”
Additionally, titles such as **`Haikyuu!!`, `Boku no Hero Academia`, `Bungou Stray Dogs`, `Ansatsu Kyoushitsu` (Assassination Classroom), and `Natsume Yuujinchou` (Natsume’s Book of Friends)** also received many votes.
Best 3
The anime that gathered votes for “Life’s Best 3 Anime” was **`Sousou no Frieren` (Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End)**.
`Sousou no Frieren` is an adventure fantasy set in a world “after” a hero’s party defeated the Demon King, following the millennia-old elf mage Frieren on a new journey with new companions. It was adapted into a TV anime in 2023, with its second season scheduled to air starting in January 2026. Comments from readers expressed their enchantment with its beautiful world, saying: “The setting, depicting the world after the Demon King’s defeat, is novel and fascinating. The magic-infused action is also spectacular, offering an unparalleled sense of immersion in the story.” and “The visuals, music, and story are all of such high quality that it’s the work that turned me into an anime fan.”
Other titles that received many votes included **`Boku no Hero Academia`, `Jujutsu Kaisen`, `Shingeki no Kyojin`, and `Haikyuu!!`**.
■ 20s Readers’ Life’s Best Anime
Life’s Best
Among 20s readers, the anime that received the most support as “Life’s Best Anime” was, once again, **`Gintama`**, achieving a double crown following its win among 10s readers.
Comments often tied the anime to cherished memories, such as: “This is a work that has been with me since I was in elementary school. I always admired Gin-san’s way of life, how he’s usually a slacker but shines when it truly matters. Walking through my youth with `Gintama` is a treasure I’ll cherish forever.” and “When I was laid up with the flu, my dad inexplicably showed it to me, and I was hooked.”
Other anime that received votes included **`Ansatsu Kyoushitsu` and `Boku no Hero Academia`**, clearly showcasing the enduring strength of anime based on “Weekly Shounen Jump” manga.
Best 2
The “Life’s Best 2 Anime” for 20s readers resulted in a close contest, with six titles tying for the spot: **`CLANNAD`, `Ansatsu Kyoushitsu`, `Gintama`, `Haikyuu!!`, `Hagane no Renkinjutsushi` (Fullmetal Alchemist), and `Boku no Hero Academia`**. Among these, `Boku no Hero Academia` gathered multiple comments, such as: “The high schoolers aiming to be heroes are so captivating. The phrase ‘Surely everyone is someone’s hero’ really resonates with me.” and “It’s so cool to see everyone fighting with all their might, even when they’re battered and bruised!” The series continues to gain momentum, with its `FINAL SEASON` having begun broadcasting this autumn.
Best 3
For “Life’s Best 3 Anime,” **`Gintama`** made another appearance. It was featured in all top three spots for 20s readers, demonstrating its overwhelming presence in this demographic.
`Gintama` aired for a total of 367 episodes over 13 years, with intermittent breaks since 2006, making it a beloved work that 20s readers have grown up with, which certainly contributes to its popularity. Furthermore, the currently airing spin-off, `3-nen Z-gumi Ginpachi-sensei` (Class 3-Z Ginpachi-sensei), also seems to have bolstered its votes.
Other notable titles included **`Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu` (Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World-), `Jigoku Sensei Nu~be~`, `Shangri-La Frontier`, `Nintama Rantarou`, `Binan Koukou Chikyuu Boueibu LOVE!` (Cute High Earth Defense Club LOVE!), `Bungou Stray Dogs`, `Boku no Hero Academia`, and `Meitantei Konan`**.
■ 30s Readers’ Life’s Best Anime
Life’s Best
For “Life’s Best Anime” among 30s readers, the top support went to **`Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon` (Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon)**.
`Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon` tells the story of Tsukino Usagi, a clumsy, crybaby middle schooler who transforms into Sailor Moon to fight evil. The TV anime began airing in 1992, and a new series, `Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon Crystal`, was produced in 2014. The title has also gained immense popularity through various media mixes, including musicals and TV dramas, and boasts a large global fanbase. While it received votes from a wide range of generations, the votes from 30s readers, who watched the first series in real-time, were particularly outstanding.
Other titles that were frequently mentioned include **`NARUTO -Naruto-`, `Kidou Senshi Gundam SEED`, `Kimetsu no Yaiba`, `Code Geass: Hangyaku no Lelouch` (Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion), `Sword Art Online`, `Digimon Adventure`, `Meitantei Konan`, and `Ranma 1/2`**.
Best 2
The “Life’s Best 2 Anime” for 30s readers saw a split in votes, with five works tying for the position: **`CLANNAD`, `Gintama`, `Crayon Shin-chan`, `Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon`, and `Meitantei Konan`**. `Crayon Shin-chan`, `Sailor Moon`, and `Meitantei Konan` began airing in the 1990s, while `CLANNAD` and `Gintama` started in the 2000s, showcasing a collection of long-loved works.
Best 3
“Life’s Best 3 Anime” included **`Crayon Shin-chan`, `Code Geass: Hangyaku no Lelouch`, and `Meitantei Konan`**. `Crayon Shin-chan` and `Meitantei Konan` are national series that are still broadcasting TV anime today. `Code Geass: Hangyaku no Lelouch` garnered attention for its shocking premise, where Japan becomes Area 11, a territory of the Britannian Empire. Since its broadcast began in 2006, multiple series have been developed, with the latest work, `Code Geass: Dakkan no Roze` (Code Geass: Rozé of the Recapture), released in 2024. A reader commented, “I was drawn into the unpredictable story, and Lelouch’s decision in the final episode brought tears to my eyes.”
■ 40s Readers’ Life’s Best Anime
Life’s Best
For “Life’s Best Anime” among 40s readers, the most supported title was **`Dragon Ball`**.
This work is an adventure fantasy where the protagonist, Son Gokuu, searches for the seven Dragon Balls that grant wishes when gathered. The battle action evolved with each arc, and `Dragon Ball`, `Dragon Ball Z`, and `Dragon Ball GT` aired from 1986 to 1997. The latest work, `Dragon Ball DAIMA`, was also broadcast in 2024. Reader comments clearly convey how deeply ingrained the work is in their memories: “Even now, my image is that Wednesday evenings at 7 PM are for `Dragon Ball`.” and “The quintessential anime of my youth. The original manga was my favorite since elementary school.”
Many votes were also cast for titles such as **`Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon`, `Yuu☆Yuu☆Hakusho` (Yu Yu Hakusho), and `Hibike! Euphonium` (Sound! Euphonium)**.
Best 2
The “Life’s Best 2 Anime” was **`Shin Seiki Evangelion` (Neon Genesis Evangelion)**.
This original anime follows the protagonist, Ikari Shinji, as he pilots the multi-purpose humanoid combat weapon Evangelion to confront mysterious enemies called Angels. It began broadcasting in 1995, causing a social phenomenon, and was relaunched as `Evangelion Shin Gekijouban` (Rebuild of Evangelion) in 2007, culminating with `Shin Evangelion Gekijouban` (Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time) in 2021. Comments from those who experienced it at the time were received, stating: “The pioneer anime that taught me the joy of analysis! Even now, every time I rewatch it, I discover something new.” and “No other anime has been so full of challenge. I was shocked when uncolored line art appeared directly on screen.”
Numerous votes also went to titles such as **`Violet Evergarden`, `Kimetsu no Yaiba`, `Dragon Ball`, `Hagane no Renkinjutsushi`, and `Meitantei Konan`**.
Best 3
For 40s readers, “Life’s Best 3 Anime” was also **`Shin Seiki Evangelion`**, securing back-to-back ranks for both Best 2 and Best 3. This year marks its 30th anniversary, and its current re-broadcast is likely another reason for its continued attention.
Following that, **`Tenkuu no Shiro Laputa` (Castle in the Sky)** and **`Kidou Senshi Gundam SEED`** were tied.
For `Laputa`, a comment read: “A masterpiece filled with life lessons and romance for growing into adulthood! Even as an adult, those values are imprinted on me and serve as a guide in my life.” For `Gundam SEED`, comments included: “I love the Freedom Gundam,” and “I was so happy when the movie `Kidou Senshi Gundam SEED FREEDOM` was released.”
■ 50s Readers’ Life’s Best Anime
Life’s Best
For “Life’s Best Anime” among 50s readers, the most supported title was **`Kidou Senshi Gundam` (Mobile Suit Gundam)**.
`Kidou Senshi Gundam` is a massive hit work that began broadcasting in 1979 and continues to produce new series today. It depicts the growth and struggles of Amuro Rei, a boy who becomes the pilot of the Earth Federation Forces’ new mobile suit, Gundam, in a near-future setting where humanity has advanced into space. A comment reflecting its profound impact stated: “I became an otaku after encountering the first `Gundam` in elementary school. I was shocked by the human drama, which wasn’t simply good versus evil, and the realistic robot depictions, which completely overturned my concept of anime. Many works wouldn’t have been born if not for `Gundam`.”
Many votes were also cast for titles such as **`Ginga Eiyuu Densetsu` (Legend of the Galactic Heroes), `Gintama`, `Uchuu yori mo Tooi Basho` (A Place Further Than the Universe), `Choujikuu Yousai Macross` (Super Dimension Fortress Macross), `Hibike! Euphonium`, and `Maison Ikkoku`**.
Best 2
The “Life’s Best 2 Anime” for 50s readers resulted in a tie among three titles: **`Kidou Senshi Gundam`, `Kimetsu no Yaiba`, and `Sousou no Frieren`**. Regarding recent works like `Kimetsu` and `Frieren`, many comments mentioned: “I decided to watch a trending anime after a long time and was astonished by its high quality.”
Additionally, titles such as **`Shin Seiki Evangelion`, `Ginga Tetsudou 999` (Galaxy Express 999), and `Hibike! Euphonium`** followed.
For `Ginga Tetsudou 999`, a fan wrote: “It was a work full of imagination that overwhelmed my young mind, with unique concepts like traveling through space on a steam locomotive, universal themes about the ideal body, and a critical view of a mechanized society.” For `Hibike! Euphonium`, a comment read: “It portrayed three years of the protagonist’s growth as she overcomes bitter youth, realizing that effort doesn’t always pay off. It had the depth of a grand historical drama, and it moves me to tears every time I watch it.”
Best 3
The “Life’s Best 3 Anime” was **`Kimetsu no Yaiba`**, ranking again after being in the “Life’s Best 2 Anime” list. Comments indicated that people enjoyed it with their children, showing its appeal across generations.
Many votes also went to **`Uma Musume Pretty Derby`, `Urusei Yatsura`, `STEINS;GATE`, and `Uchuu yori mo Tooi Basho`**. The inclusion of multiple recent works in the 50s demographic’s votes indicates a broad and diverse range of interests.
■ 60s Readers’ Life’s Best Anime
Life’s Best
For “Life’s Best Anime” among 60s readers, the most supported title was **`Gintama`**.
Comments included: “I got hooked on anime in my late 50s. It’s a masterpiece that makes you laugh and cry.” and “I was impressed by how they changed the program title and made meta-comments, adding a playful spirit unique to anime while staying true to the original. It truly made me appreciate it.” This demonstrates `Gintama`’s ability to capture the top spot across both the 10s and 60s age groups.
Many votes also went to **`Uchuu Senkan Yamato` (Space Battleship Yamato)** and **`Kimetsu no Yaiba`**. For `Yamato`, there were comments like: “`Saraba Uchuu Senkan Yamato Ai no Senshi-tachi` (Farewell to Space Battleship Yamato: Warriors of Love), which I saw in middle school, changed my life and sparked my interest in space. My adolescence definitely played a big part.” and “Matsumoto Leiji’s works are my youth itself.” These show its significant impact on their lives.
Best 2
The “Life’s Best 2 Anime” saw a tie between **`Ginga Tetsudou 999` and `Lupin the 3rd`**. The 1979 film version of `Ginga Tetsudou 999` and `Lupin the 3rd: Cagliostro no Shiro` (Lupin the 3rd: The Castle of Cagliostro), released in the same year, were highly acclaimed. Comments recalling that era were also received, such as: “Since there were no VCRs back then, I desperately tried to etch the emotion into my memory. I remember watching it many times because movie theaters didn’t have seat rotations yet.”
Votes were also cast for **`BANANA FISH`, `Urusei Yatsura`, and `Kidou Senshi Gundam`**.
Best 3
The “Life’s Best 3 Anime” was **`Kidou Senshi Gundam`**. `Gundam` also topped the list for 50s readers, highlighting its lasting influence on older generations. Additionally, votes ranged from classics of the 1960s like `Tetsuwan Atom` (Astro Boy) and `Wanpaku Ouji no Orochi Taiji` (The Little Prince and the Eight-Headed Dragon) to recent works like `Kimetsu no Yaiba` and `Sono Bisque Doll wa Koi wo Suru` (My Dress-Up Darling), clearly indicating that 60s readers are a generation who have enjoyed anime for many years.
In this survey, `Gintama` secured the top spot for 10s, 20s, and 60s readers. With the release of `Shin Gekijouban Gintama -Yoshiwara Dai Enjou-` (Gintama The Movie – Yoshiwara’s Great Fire) scheduled for February 13, 2026, these results are sure to build excitement for the new film. Furthermore, titles like `Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon`, `Dragon Ball`, and `Kidou Senshi Gundam` demonstrate the enduring strength of long-loved series. The presence of anime as a core experience that remains in people’s hearts, even into adulthood, truly shone through.
■ What is Your Life’s Best Anime? Results by Age Group
[10s Readers]
1st place: `Gintama`
2nd place: `Kimetsu no Yaiba`
3rd place: `Sousou no Frieren`
[20s Readers]
1st place: `Gintama`
2nd place: `CLANNAD`, `Ansatsu Kyoushitsu`, `Gintama`, `Haikyuu!!`, `Hagane no Renkinjutsushi`, `Boku no Hero Academia`
3rd place: `Gintama`
[30s Readers]
1st place: `Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon`
2nd place: `CLANNAD`, `Gintama`, `Crayon Shin-chan`, `Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon`, `Meitantei Konan`, `Bocchi the Rock!`
3rd place: `Crayon Shin-chan`, `Code Geass: Hangyaku no Lelouch`, `Meitantei Konan`
[40s Readers]
1st place: `Dragon Ball`
2nd place: `Shin Seiki Evangelion`
3rd place: `Shin Seiki Evangelion`
[50s Readers]
1st place: `Kidou Senshi Gundam`
2nd place: `Kidou Senshi Gundam`, `Kimetsu no Yaiba`, `Sousou no Frieren`
3rd place: `Kimetsu no Yaiba`
[60s Readers]
1st place: `Gintama`
2nd place: `Ginga Tetsudou 999`, `Lupin the 3rd`
3rd place: `Kidou Senshi Gundam`
(Response period: October 11, 2025 – October 16, 2025)
