25 Must-Watch Completed Anime Series You Can’t Miss

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Among the many space-themed series out there, there’s one for every viewer looking to dive into a fresh binge-worthy show. Yet, some anime series truly shine among their competition, providing exceptional viewing experiences for both seasoned anime fans and those just starting their anime journey.

Observing these captivating narratives, I can’t help but acknowledge the exceptional character growth, thought-provoking concepts, and outstanding vocal performances they offer. Shows like Mobile Suit: Gundam and Cowboy Bebop, in their final episodes, manage to tie up loose ends masterfully, leaving viewers awestruck and breathless. These exceptional productions serve as a testament to the infinite potential of anime as a medium for compelling storytelling.

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Idol-themed anime often appeals to a specific audience, yet it carries immense potential for impact. Although there are numerous exceptional idol anime series, discussing idol anime without acknowledging the pioneering role of Love Live! would be incomplete. This anime extends across two seasons and revolves around the high school idol group μ’s (pronounced “Muse”), as they journey towards stardom.

Despite the ongoing success of the Love Live! series, with offshoots introducing fresh faces and the groups still active in concerts and music production; the original band, μ’s, laid the foundation for numerous idol-themed animes since then. Consequently, watching Love Live! School Idol Project is highly recommended due to its unique contribution to the genre. The tunes and outfits are captivating, while the characters are endearing and relatable.

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In response to an alien machine race launching attacks on Earth, humans develop a type of mechanical beings called androids to protect them. With humanity relocating to the moon, the android military force, Yorha, sends units back to Earth to engage in what appears to be an endless conflict. Androids 2B and 9S eventually grapple with their own feelings as they start to uncover information that challenges their beliefs.

The anime adaptation of Nier closely sticks to the original story but makes subtle changes that improve the overall plot. However, Nier is not just for fans of the game; it offers a captivating and profound narrative with a persistent melancholic undertone. Moreover, this anime boasts an exceptional tale, stunning animation, and a remarkable original soundtrack featuring powerful vocals.

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Rarely does a story captivate us quite like ‘Vivy Fluorite’s Eye Song.’ This exceptional tale seamlessly combines the glamour of idol life, the intrigue of science fiction, and pulse-pounding action into an enchanting narrative. The protagonist, known as Diva or Vivy, is a sentient AI with a passion for music. When a tiny robot from a century ahead seeks her aid to prevent a devastating war between mankind and artificial intelligence, Diva embarks on a 100-year voyage to save the world and uncover her own identity.

Brimming with excitement and tinged with sadness, Vivy Fluorite’s Eye Song stands out as an exceptionally imaginative anime series. Spanning 13 episodes, the story unfolds as viewers accompany Vivy on her journey through a century-long transformation of the world. Certain episodes share the same year, while others are set far apart in time. The show handles this concept masterfully, and while Diva’s music is captivating, fight scenes are also visually stunning.

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If you’re a fan of the ongoing anime, you’ll likely appreciate Little Witch Academia as well, not just because they share names and themes. While Little Witch Academia might not have the deep societal commentary or Quirk combat system found in MHA, it compensates with an abundance of heart. It primarily emphasizes the theme of self-belief, regardless of the challenges faced.

Akko’s pursuit of becoming a magical girl, even in a magic system with limitations, captivates audiences due to her unwavering resolve to attend Luna Nova witch school, despite lacking any innate magical abilities. Driven by the dream of emulating her idol Shiny Chariot, Akko finds that her determination opens more opportunities than anyone could have foreseen in the whimsical and adorable world of Little Witch Academia.

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In the world inspired by Germany, the ruling entity is a strong group called State Alchemists. Unlike regular alchemists who mix potions in a shop, these alchemists employ transmutation circles to control and manipulate their surroundings with great power. This narrative revolves around two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric. In a failed attempt to bring their deceased mother back to life, the tragic outcome is that Alphonse loses his entire body while Ed loses an arm and a leg. To save Al, Edward binds his spirit within an armor suit.

While not the original Fullmetal Alchemist anime, Brotherhood is widely supported by fans as a more faithful adaptation of the story.

In their journey, they strive to restore their physical forms back to normal. Along the way, they encounter both allies and adversaries. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood boasts some of the most compelling characters in anime, with more than just thrilling action sequences; it’s deeply emotional too. The story follows Ed and Al as they develop, not only physically (for Edward), but also emotionally. It delves into a captivating narrative filled with treacherous villains, ultimately exploring themes of human greed and morality.

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Fairy Tail, as a series, is still going strong with numerous movies and episodes available for long-time fans to delve into. This magical and whimsical franchise centers around the famous Fairy Tail guild, which serves as its main focus. The story primarily revolves around the bold, pink-haired character Natsu and the benevolent Lucy. In the first episode, we are introduced to Lucy entering the world of Fairy Tail alongside Natsu. As the series progresses, it explores a myriad of arcs, introducing various other guilds and characters along the way.

Fairy Tail isn’t one of the darkest anime series, as it seldom features genuine deaths. The main characters, led by Natsu, have an uncanny ability to surmount any obstacle through their unwavering faith in their guild’s strength. Moreover, most antagonists undergo a transformation towards redemption. Despite its lighthearted tone, Fairy Tail doesn’t shy away from intensity, as it offers a captivating narrative filled with excitement and adventure, featuring an eclectic group of characters. Although there are moments of heroism and optimism throughout the series, Fairy Tail is not without its emotional depth. Many arcs have left fans in awe due to exceptional voice acting and endearing characters, often leaving them in tears.

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Moving beyond the thrilling battle sequences, we have the captivating series titled “Violet Evergarden“. Its storyline is as enchanting as its visuals. After serving as a child soldier, Violet assumes her commanding officer, Gilbert, has perished in war. Subsequently, she finds employment as a letter writer, where her task involves accurately expressing the feelings of her clients through their correspondence. Having grown up in harsh conditions, Violet appears mechanical in her actions. She is yet to grasp the essence of love.

Indeed, Violet Evergarden is essentially a narrative about emotions. The series carries an undercurrent of sadness as Violet endeavors to grasp the depth of her feelings for Gilbert. It moves at a deliberate speed, but this is intentional. The show excels in its atmosphere, with its visuals consistently reflecting the tone. Furthermore, Violet Evergarden left audiences spellbound with its two film adaptations, which skillfully expanded upon the storyline.

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The animated series, titled Steins;Gate, is a polished science fiction production that originates from a visual novel game with the same title. Fans of the Steins;Gate video game can delve deeper into the narrative through this anime adaptation, yet it’s also an engaging watch for newcomers who will find it easy to follow as a self-contained story. The Steins;Gate anime primarily revolves around the quirky and extravagant character, Rintaro Okabe, who often goes by the mysterious pseudonym Hououin Kyouma, leaving those around him perplexed.

Collaborating with his hacker companion Daru, they uncover a means to transmit messages across time, initially utilizing microwaves and subsequently cell phones. Time travel becomes a pivotal aspect of the storyline as Rintaro grapples with his inability to prevent a cherished individual from perishing, a predicament that ultimately threatens to trigger an apocalyptic disaster due to his continuous interventions. The plotline of Steins;Gate blends multiple timelines within the complex sequence of events, resulting in a captivating tale demonstrating just how far one person will go to protect those they care about and the world they inhabit.

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The animated series, Black Lagoon, often stirs a longing among its audience to embark on high seas adventures filled with pirate battles. This gritty, action-packed show from the early 2000s follows a group of contemporary pirates in a decaying city, making it a standout shoot-em-up of its time. It comes as no shock that Black Lagoon’s most captivating aspect lies in the well-crafted female character, Revy. In fact, even those unfamiliar with the anime can probably identify her, given her exceptional writing and unending badassery within the genre.

In the series titled “Black Lagoon“, urban crime and the gritty underworlds of cities are prominently featured. Each episode is filled with gunfights, and the Russian Mafia is a recurring theme. Far from being dull, this show is captivating. The action sequences are stunning, and it doesn’t flinch from portraying the less appealing aspects of human nature. Although it was completed years ago, “Black Lagoon” remains one of the best-loved anime series to date.

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In my opinion, while Gurren Lagann might not match the grandeur of the Gundam universe nor delve into the philosophical complexities of Neon Genesis Evangelion, it more than makes up for it with an electrifying energy and a playful style that’s hard to resist. The series is brimming with epic showdowns and emotionally charged moments, forming a strong foundation that keeps viewers hooked. What truly sets Gurren Lagann apart is its compelling narrative about the underdog struggle of oppressed individuals yearning for freedom – be it from the tyranny of the Beastmen or the Antispiral empire.

Watching Gurren Lagann is always an exhilarating experience due to its thrilling action featuring colossal robots, endearing humor, charming characters, and most notably, its audacious power growth. Unlike other action anime that thrive on moderate and well-balanced power development, Gurren Lagann prides itself on escalating the power levels exponentially with increasingly larger and more powerful robots. Entire planets appear minuscule compared to these combat machines, and this is exactly what fans adore about it.

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2025-06-02 23:22