Only 8 Anime Series Are Better Than ‘One Piece’

only 8 – As debate over the best anime never really ends, one list claims there may be only eight shows that can surpass “One Piece.” From Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood to JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, the picks lean on writing, animation, originality, and lasting fan i

Anime fans can agree on almost nothing—except that arguing about “the best series” is part of the fun. Still, when you’re dealing with “One Piece,” the debate turns extra intense. The franchise is already over a thousand episodes long and still hasn’t reached its peak. with an expansive world that keeps storytelling doors open.

But this particular fan-leaning ranking makes a bold claim: “One Piece” may be a lot of viewers’ favorite. yet it isn’t the best—and there may only be eight anime shows better than it. The list lays out its method plainly. pointing to writing. animation. originality. lack of flaws. popularity. fan opinion. critical acclaim. and overall quality.

At the top of that case is “JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure” (2012–Present). For some fans, there are no anime better than “One Piece.” For others, there are plenty. Either way, the list says the “Joestar lineage” gives “JoJo” its creative edge. Each part follows a new character from the lineage. with villains ranging from those who want to become a vampire to those trying to take over the world. The standout strength. according to the list. is variety: new protagonists. side casts. and villains reset the tone season by season. It’s presented as a globe-trotting series with engaging fight scenes. a small-town mystery involving a serial killer. and—through it all—stories that mix storytelling with absolute surrealism. The list even adds that the new season is set up to be one of the best anime of 2026.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood takes the next slot at number 8. and it’s framed as the “obvious entry” because many fans consider it the best anime of all time. The story centers on Ed and Al—Edward and Alphonse Elric—after a taboo experiment leaves them losing parts or all of their bodies. They go on a quest to restore what they’ve lost using the philosopher’s stone. only to uncover a government conspiracy that threatens to consume the entire world. The list credits “Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood” with wide appeal. from engaging characters and a riveting story to mystery. lore. worldbuilding. comedy. drama. romance. and action. It argues the series doesn’t need thousands of episodes to build a magnificent world filled with well-written characters and profound themes.

Number 7 is “Steins;Gate” (2011). This one is chosen partly because it’s considered comparable to “One Piece” in the sense that it’s high-quality and widely celebrated—but the list insists it’s also so strong it had to be included. In “Steins;Gate,” a self-proclaimed mad scientist accidentally creates a machine that can send texts into the past. That kicks off a fight to correct the timeline before it collapses on itself, all while battling a secret organization. The list emphasizes that “Steins;Gate” is tightly written with no plot holes. calling it a psychological masterpiece and a profound thriller that leans into the philosophical side of time travel. It also highlights the narrative structure and direction as part of why it stands as a genre-defining all-time great.

At number 6, “Gintama” (2006–2021) is described as a long-running shōnen entry that still gets underrated attention. The premise is set in an alternate universe in feudal Japan where aliens have taken over the world. Gintoki—along with Kagura and Shinpachi—works odd jobs just to keep the lights on. taking whatever job comes their way. whether that means aliens. terrorists. police. or space pirates. The list says “Gintama” takes a different approach than many anime by leaning heavily into episodic comedy. but it’s the serious arcs—when they arrive—that can be a real jaw-drop moment. Those arcs are credited for marvellous storytelling. fantastic fights. and a renowned cast. along with an ability to keep characters relevant through side adventures and serious plot lines.

Number 5 is “Mob Psycho 100” (2016–2022), built around the psychic Shigeo Kageyama. He’s introduced as the world’s strongest psychic. but he only wants an average life—and to impress his crush. Because he suppresses his emotions. they come out through an explosion of uncontrollable psychic powers that complicates life for him. his friends. and his enemies. The list argues “Mob Psycho 100” stands out as a gorgeous character study. where each episode becomes a descent into the ego and self-improvement. It pairs that with top-tier humor. incredible rewatchability. remarkable animation. and riveting fight scenes. claiming the series is better than almost every anime out there.

Number 4 goes to “Cowboy Bebop” (1998–1999). The series follows Spike Spiegel and his crew of bounty hunters. living by cleaning up the scum of the galaxy and taking jobs that lead them into danger every day. But the list frames the tension as personal: when Spike’s dark past catches up. he has to face it or risk losing everything. “Cowboy Bebop” is described as using noir, jazz, and lived-in sci-fi to create a philosophical space adventure. The claim is that each episode is a masterpiece. with a distinct aesthetic and narrative architecture that’s presented as far better than what “One Piece” has built—while also stressing “Cowboy Bebop”’s lasting legacy. including how it helped make Western audiences recognize anime’s storytelling potential.

Number 3 is “Hunter x Hunter” (2011–2014). It’s positioned as one of the most similar series to “One Piece. ” following Gon. an optimistic child who wants to find his father. Gon follows his father’s path to become a hunter. only to learn that the journey will put him through hell and back. The list ties “Hunter x Hunter” closely to “One Piece” by pointing to author Yoshihiro Togashi as a legendary manga creator. placing both series among the best ever. It says “Hunter x Hunter” excels at worldbuilding. and while it may not reach “One Piece”’s heights. it rises above it in pacing. character development. tight storytelling. and memorable moments. The adventure, in this telling, is grand and deeply rooted in the characters as well.

At number 2 comes “Monster” (2004–2005). Naoki Urasawa’s magnum opus is introduced through Dr. Tenma, a surgeon who chooses to save the life of a child rather than the mayor. But that same child later becomes a serial killer, pushing Tenma to take matters into his own hands. The question the list keeps returning to is whether Tenma will be able to kill Johan after learning of his dark past. “Monster” is described as delivering as big a mystery and rising tension as any anime. built through a slow-burning. suspenseful story that drives toward a writing masterclass. The list frames it as a philosophical battle between humanism and nihilism that “shōnen anime” can’t compare to. insisting “Monster” is better at most things than most anime—and that “One Piece” is no different.

Taken together. the list doesn’t just dismiss “One Piece”—it tries to replace the debate with a specific set of winners. each argued for on a mix of craft and impact. “Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood” is praised for worldbuilding and breadth; “Steins;Gate” for tightly written time-travel drama; “Gintama” for comedic episodic energy with serious arc power; “Mob Psycho 100” for character-driven emotional control; “Cowboy Bebop” for noir-jazz storytelling that feels lived-in; “Hunter x Hunter” for worldbuilding and tight pacing; “Monster” for slow-burn suspense and philosophical weight; and “JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure” for creative variety and surreal. season-to-season reinvention.

In other words: “One Piece” may still have plenty of time left, a sprawling world, and storytelling potential. But if this ranking is to be believed, the anime landscape has eight series that most fans can agree surpass it—at least in the ways the list measures what “best” really means.

One Piece anime ranking best anime Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood Steins;Gate Gintama Mob Psycho 100 Cowboy Bebop Hunter x Hunter Monster JoJo's Bizarre Adventure