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Although only available in the United States, Funimation is one of the leading platforms in the world of anime. However, its streaming component is no longer a massive selling point. In March 2022, Funimation and Crunchyroll confirmed that the former's library will be gradually transferred over to the latter, combining to create the largest (legal) anime catalog on the internet. Regardless of this development, Funimation has continued to support its service, especially since the brand offers far more than just streaming.

Covering both new and classic anime, the service's library is stacked with goodies. It does not matter what genre someone prefers, they are likely to find a show on the platform that fits their needs. Let's take a look at the best anime on Funimation.

Shonen and comedy anime have dedicated articles:

Best Horror Anime On Funimation

Ghost Hunt

ghost hunt anime main characters
Ghost Hunt

Release Date
October 3, 2006
Studio
J.C.Staff
Number of Episodes
25
Based On
Light Novel
Creator
Fuyumi Ono
MyAnimeList Score
7.76

Horror and anime do not regularly go hand-in-hand, but there are a couple of exceptions. Luckily for fans of the genre, most of the best horror anime are on Funimation, and Ghost Hunt is the most crowd-pleasing show on the service. Split into an array of cases, each arc follows Kazuya Shibuya and Mai Taniyama as they investigate all sorts of spooky tales, and they are accompanied by a quirky cast of recurring characters.

Ghost Hunt has haunted houses, creepy dolls, and a fair amount of genuine scares. The anime delivers a traditional horror experience fit for Halloween night or a random Tuesday.

Boogiepop Phantom

Boogiepop Phantom 2000 anime
Boogiepop Phantom

Japanese Title
Boogiepop wa Warawanai
Release Date
January 5, 2000
Studio
Madhouse
Number of Episodes
12
Based On
Light Novel
Creator
Kouhei Kadono
MyAnimeList Score
7.16

An adaptation of Kouhei Kadono's light novel series, Madhouse's Boogiepop Phantom is a challenging sit, both thematically and narratively. Following a non-linear structure, the anime is simultaneously episodic and serial, as each chapter follows a different character who is connected through a shared event. Consequently, the story can be tough to follow at times, and the episodic narratives exist to further the anime's main psychological themes.

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Boogiepop Phantom is not going to be to everyone's tastes, and that is perfectly fine. However, the series is unique enough that it should be tried by anyone interested in horror.

Higurashi: When They Cry – Gou

Higurashi When They Cry Gou shion eyes
Higurashi: When They Cry - GOU

Japanese Title
Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Gou
Release Date
October 1, 2020
Studio
Passione
Number of Episodes
24
Based On
Visual Novel
MyAnimeList Score
7.20

Except for maybe Another, Higurashi: When They Cry is arguably the most popular horror anime of all time; however, some people might not be aware that the franchise made a comeback over the last few years. Gou returns viewers to Hinamizawa for another loop, and while the story initially hits many of the same beats as the 2006 show, things eventually find a new path that comes with more than a few exciting (and horrifying) surprises.

As tends to be the case with this series, the horror mostly comes in the form of gore, although Gou also does a decent job of building up tension in its second cour. Even if some familiarity with When They Cry is recommended, newcomers starting with Gou should still be available to follow the plot.

Best Slice Of Life Anime On Funimation

Aria

Aria anime
Aria

Release Date
October 5, 2005
Studio
Hal Film Maker
Number of Episodes
52
Based On
Manga
Creator
Kozue Amano
MyAnimeList Score
7.68 (Season 1)

Slice of life tends to be associated with the mundane, but that is not fully accurate; rather, the genre depicts the everyday lives of its characters. In some cases, this involves attending school in a quiet Japanese town while leading a life free of worries. Other times, a character's "normal" involves ferrying a gondola on another planet that has been terraformed to resemble Venice.

Aria is therapeutic. Guiding viewers through a beautiful city alongside delightful and grounded characters, the anime will heal somebody's tired mind after a stressful day behind a desk.

Barakamon

Barakamon anime Sei Handa, Naru Kotoishi
Barakamon

Release Date
July 6, 2014
Studio
Kinema Citrus
Number of Episodes
12
Based On
Manga
Creator
Satsuki Yoshino
MyAnimeList Score
8.38

Following a public bust-up with a critic, Seishuu Handa, a talented but indignant calligrapher, is sent to a remote island by his father. Initially, Seishuu sees this as an opportunity to focus on his work, but the artist soon finds that the locales will not leave him alone. This proves to be exactly what the arrogant guy needs.

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Hilarious and emotionally satisfying, Barakamon accomplishes a lot during its short runtime. Not only does it do a stellar job of establishing the culture of Goto Islands, but the anime guides Seishuu through a brilliant arc while also introducing a wide roster of three-dimensional characters. If someone is trying to introduce a friend to slice of life, Barakamon is the anime to pick.

Technically, Barakamon is a comedy, but the anime is an even better representative of the slice of life genre.

Mushi-Shi

Mushishi anime
Mushi-Shi

Release Date
October 23, 2005
Studio
Artland
Number of Episodes
46
Based On
Manga
Creator
Yuki Urushibara
MyAnimeList Score
8.66 (Season 1)

Mushi-Shi is quite atypical for a slice of life anime, mainly because its subject is about as far removed from the mundane as possible. The eponymous Mushi are entities that exist alongside humans, although most people cannot perceive them directly. Seemingly tied to nature, these beings are mostly harmless, but they can inspire incidents to happen out of no ill will.

Mushi-shi are people who devote their lives to studying the Mushi, as they travel across Japan to further their knowledge. One such person is Ginko, and while the anime's protagonist largely tries to remain a silent observer, he does occasionally have to get involved. Mushi-Shi is a beautiful and quiet anime that tackles the surreal in as naturalistic a way as possible.

Best Romance Anime On Funimation

Toradora!

Taiga and Ryuji in Toradora! 
Toradora! (2008)

Release Date
October 2, 2008
Studio
J.C.Staff
Number of Episodes
25
Based On
Light Novel
Creator
Yuyuko Takemiya
MyAnimeList Score
8.07

An all-time classic, Toradora! is likely to be among someone's first exposure to romance anime, even if the show's initial episodes lean into comedy more than anything else. Ryuuji and Taiga are direct opposites in more ways than one. While the former's intimidating presence hides a mature and gentle personality, the latter's cute appearance does not reflect her fiery and violent nature. Ryuuji and Taiga have generally avoided each other, but the high school students decide to combine forces since they both have crushes on the other person's closest friend.

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Toradora! chronicles the main characters' friendship as they grow to trust and respect each other. Ryuuji and Taiga's dynamic is endearing, funny, and even emotional, and their relationship develops naturally throughout the series.

Sasaki And Miyano

Sasaki and Miyano anime episode 1
Sasaki and Miyano

Japanese Title
Sasaki to Miyano
Release Date
January 10, 2022
Studio
Studio Deen
Number of Episodes
12
Based On
Manga
Creator
Shō Harusono
MyAnimeList Score
8.23

Funimation has a couple of Boys Love stories, which is one of the most niche subgenres in anime. People unfamiliar with these shows might struggle to find a welcoming entry point, especially since quite a few of these anime are rather intense. Regardless of whether someone is a BL newbie or veteran, they need to add Sasaki and Miyano to their watch list if they are at all interested in romance.

Sasaki and Miyano have a chance encounter and wind up bonding over Boys Love manga, a world the latter introduces to the upperclassman. As the two spend more time together, they start to develop a mutual interest, something neither boy is fully prepared to handle. Sasaki and Miyano is simply charming, and the anime's core relationship is healthy and sweet.

Your Lie In April

Kosei and Kaori in Your Lie in April
Your Lie in April

Japanese Title
Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso
Release Date
October 10, 2014
Studio
A-1 Pictures
Number of Episodes
22
Based On
Manga
Creator
Naoshi Arakawa
MyAnimeList Score
8.65

Your Lie in April is probably the most famous romance anime of all time, and such a reputation can produce high expectations that are nearly impossible to meet. That said, the show more than lives up to the hype. A gifted pianist, Kousei Arima has been unable to perform ever since his mother's passing, causing the teenager to turn his back on music. One day, Kousei stumbles upon an enigmatic violinist named Kaori, a performer who embraces life with every fiber of her being. The two hit it off, launching a beautiful friendship built on music, love, and tragedy.

Your Lie in April has all the trappings of a traditional romance anime, but the story primarily revolves around Kousei's attempts to face and move on from his trauma. In many ways, this is a coming-of-age anime that happens to use romance as a catalyst for its protagonist's maturation. While not without flaws, Your Lie in April is a modern classic with strong characters and great music.

Your Lie in April is a shonen manga, but it is too popular of a romance show to not feature in this section.

Best Drama Anime On Funimation

Wolf Children

Hana, Sohei, and Yuki in Wolf Children
Wolf Children

Release Date
July 21, 2012
Studio
Studio Chizu
Director
Mamoru Hosoda

Funimation has a couple of movies in its library, including quite a few of Mamoru Hosoda's projects. Wolf Children is generally regarded as the director's masterpiece, and the film has not aged a day since its 2012 debut. Hana falls in love with a werewolf, and the couple has two children. Unfortunately, her husband passes away, forcing Hana into a situation where she has to raise her unique kids on her own.

Wolf Children is about parenthood and family, and the story chronicles more than a decade in Hana's life. Boasting beautiful animation, powerful writing, and lovable characters, this feature is fantastic and a must-watch for any anime fan.

March Comes In Like A Lion

march comes in like a lion Rei
March Comes in Like a Lion

Japanese Title
3-gatsu no Lion
Release Date
October 8, 2016
Studio
Shaft
Number of Episodes
44
Based On
Manga
Creator
Chica Umino
MyAnimeList Score
8.38 (Season 1)

Drama is such a vague concept that hundreds of shows could theoretically slot into the category, however, March Comes in Like a Lion is the definitive dramatic anime. Just to be clear, the show is not melodramatic or relentlessly sad; in fact, it has its fair share of lighthearted moments. That said, the anime's depiction of depression, bullying, and self-hatred is fantastic.

Rei is a young shogi player with a bright future, however, he is also socially awkward and tends to isolate himself from everyone around him. Over its two seasons, March Comes in Like a Lion explores Rei on a psychological and emotional level, all the while introducing a myriad of nuanced characters who shape the protagonist's development without sacrificing their own lives.

Death Parade

Flyers (Death Parade) opening
Death Parade

Release Date
January 10, 2015
Studio
Madhouse
Number of Episodes
12
MyAnimeList Score
8.15

Quindecim is a bar that exists outside of time and space, and its purpose is to decide which of the recently deceased deserves another chance or to be wiped out of existence. Governed by Decim, two people enter the bar and engage in some type of contest, the winner of which is awarded reincarnation.

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Along with exploring the Quindecim's behind-the-scenes mechanics, Death Parade largely follows an episodic format as it dives into the lives of the story's competitors. Unsurprisingly, this is one intense anime.

Bunny Drop

Bunny Drop anime rin and daikichi
Bunny Drop

Japanese Title
Usagi Drop
Release Date
July 8, 2011
Studio
Production I.G
Number of Episodes
11
Based On
Manga
Creator
Yumi Unita
MyAnimeList Score
8.35

Bunny Drop could slot into the slice of life section, however, the anime's opening episode has quite a dramatic tone compared to most of that genre's output. At the funeral of his grandfather, the directionless Daikichi meets Rin, the deceased relative's illegitimate daughter. After seeing how his shocked and grieving family shuns the girl, Daikichi decides to step up and become her guardian.

Initially, the two struggle to adjust to each other and their new situation, but they gradually develop a touching bond built on respect and love. Bunny Drop is a beautiful, grounded anime about parenthood, responsibility, and growth, the latter of which is experienced by both Daikichi and Rin.

After finishing the Bunny Drop anime, think twice before reading its manga's unadapted chapters.

Rascal Does Not Dream Of Bunny Girl Senpai

Rascal-Does-Not-Dream-of-Bunny-Girl-Senpai-anime-featured-image-1
Rascal Does Not Dream Of Bunny Girl Senpai

Japanese Title
Seishun Buta Yarou wa Bunny Girl Senpai no Yume wo Minai
Release Date
October 4, 2018
Studio
CloverWorks
Number of Episodes
13
Based On
Light Novel
Creator
Hajime Kamoshida
MyAnimeList Score
8.24

Do not judge a story by its title, a suggestion exemplified by Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai. Based on Hajime Kamoshida's light novels, this anime follows Sakuta Azusagawa, a teenager who tends to get dragged into supernatural-esque mysteries fueled by "Puberty Syndrome." This essentially means that somebody's insecurities begin to manifest in reality; for instance, if someone believes that nobody sees them, they would start to disappear.

Split into short arcs centering around a different girl that Sakuta needs to assist, Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai tackles themes and struggles that many people might be able to relate to. This is also not a harem, as the story's beating heart is the relationship between Sakuta and Mai Sakurajima, the eponymous bunny girl.

Best Sci-Fi Anime On Funimation

Akira

Mitsuru in Akira
Akira

Release Date
July 16, 1998
Studio
Tokyo Movie Shinsha
Based On
Manga
Director
Katsuhiro Otomo

While the service is primarily known for shows, a discussion regarding the best anime on Funimation would not be complete without mentioning Akira. Arguably the most famous non-Ghibli anime film of all time, the sci-fi classic helped introduce many Westerners to the glorious world of Japanese animation. It also eliminated the idea that "anime is for kids."

Set in a dystopian version of Neo-Tokyo, Akira envisions a world defined by corporate corruption, social unrest, and unfiltered violence. The leader of a biker gang, Kaneda becomes ensnared in a government conspiracy involving human experimentation and espers. Akira is a wild and unpredictable ride that ends with an epic but horrifying final act. Visually, the animation holds up incredibly well, as does the voice acting.

Cowboy Bebop

The cast of Cowboy Bebop
Cowboy Bebop

Release Date
April 3, 1998
Studio
Sunrise
Number of Episodes
26
MyAnimeList Score
8.75

By this point, it is almost a cliche to mention Cowboy Bebop in a "best of" list. It is the anime equivalent of saying Citizen Kane is the greatest movie of all time; nevertheless, a boring pick is deemed as such because it is usually valid. Cowboy Bebop is one of the best anime on Funimation because it is among the greatest shows of all time, and its brilliance has not diminished at all over the last two decades.

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Throughout its 26 episodes, Cowboy Bebop delivers unforgettable standalone storylines and deep character studies for the main crew, all of which receive satisfying conclusions. The anime's music, visuals, and writing are all top-notch.

Psycho-Pass

Akane in Psycho-Pass
Psycho-Pass

Release Date
October 12, 2012
Studio
Production I.G, Tatsunoko Production
Number of Episodes
41
MyAnimeList Score
8.34 (Season 1)

A popular subset of sci-fi is cyberpunk, and, alongside Ghost in the Shell, Psycho-Pass is arguably the best example of this subgenre in anime. The series envisions an alternative future where Japan has gained stability by punishing thoughts rather than actions. This society is built on the Sibyl System, a network that measures a person's biometrics to determine their Crime Coefficient (or Psycho-Pass). If someone is deemed a threat, a special unit of the Public Safety Bureau shows up to deal with the situation, usually arresting or killing the target. While reversible initially, if someone's Psycho-Pass is clouded for long enough, they have no way to come back to normal.

Psycho-Pass follows the officers in charge of upholding Sibyl's peace. The characters are divided into Inspectors and Enforcers, the latter of whom are expected to do the dirty work since their Psycho-Passes are already beyond the point of no return. Throughout its stellar first season, this sci-fi anime slowly dissects Sibyl's influence on society, presenting arguments both in favor and against its existence. While heroes and villains exist, Psycho-Pass shows that both sides are nuanced.

Steins;Gate

Rintarou and Kurisu from Steins;Gate
Steins;Gate

Release Date
April 6, 2011
Studio
White Fox
Number of Episodes
24
Based On
Visual Novel
MyAnimeList Score
9.07

Alongside Cowboy Bebop, Steins;Gate has established itself as the definitive sci-fi anime. A convincing argument can be made that the genre has yet to produce a project superior to White Fox's 2011 show, and that extends to the very good Steins;Gate 0, which is also available on Funimation. Steins;Gate revolves around the Future Gadget Laboratory, a group that seeks to unlock the secrets of time travel. Led by the enigmatic Rintaro Okabe, this organization spends most of its time either goofing around or conducting groundbreaking research that could have dire consequences.

An anime of two halves, Steins;Gate's first cour plays out almost like a slice of life as it follows the everyday misadventures of the laboratory's members. While slow, these episodes are charming and firmly establish the main character's personalities and the relationships that ground them. The anime's second half is an entirely different beast, delivering action, suspense, and tragedy. Different as these two halves might be, they come together to create an unforgettable experience.

A Certain Scientific Railgun

A Certain Scientific Railgun anime mikoto misaka
A Certain Scientific Railgun

Japanese Title
Toaru Kagaku no Railgun
Release Date
October 3, 2009
Studio
J.C.Staff
Number of Episodes
73
Based On
Manga
Creator
Kazuma Kamachi
MyAnimeList Score
7.66 (Season 1)

Kazuma Kamachi's A Certain Magical Index light novels are awesome, but its anime adaptation is a bit all over the place. While the first two seasons are passable interpretations of a great story, the anime's third series is a rushed mess that leaves a lot to be desired. Luckily, someone does not need to like or even watch A Certain Magical Index to enjoy A Certain Scientific Railgun, a spin-off that eclipses the main show in just about every way.

Set in Academy City, the anime follows Mikoto Misaka and her closest friends (or enemies) as they hang out, take part in festivals, and investigate conspiracies involving clones and human experimentation. Outside a few filler arcs, it is mostly riveting and entertaining stuff, and that includes a season 2 storyline that is a genuine contender for the best arc in anime history.

Outlaw Star

outlaw star anime gene starwind
Outlaw Star (1998)

Japanese Title
Seihou Bukyou Outlaw Star
Release Date
January 9, 1998
Studio
Sunrise
Number of Episodes
26
Based On
Manga
Creator
Takehiko Itō
MyAnimeList Score
7.84

Slightly overshadowed by other late '90s sci-fi series, Outlaw Star deserves to stand alongside the likes of Cowboy Bebop and Trigun. Sunrise's show follows a group of misfits in search of the Galactic Leyline, a quest that takes them across the universe.

Packed with humor, lovable characters, and solid action, this cult classic offers pulpy fun with hints of depth. The show's animation is off its era, however, like nearly everything else about Outlaw Star, it has aged like fine wine.

Best Shoujo Anime On Funimation

Fruits Basket

Tohru Honda wearing an apron and looking determined
Fruits Basket (2019)

Release Date
April 6, 2019
Studio
TMS Entertainment
Number of Episodes
63
Based On
Manga
Creator
Natsuki Takaya
MyAnimeList Score
8.22 (Season 1)

Funimation has both the 2001 and 2019 adaptations of Fruits Basket; while the former has its moments, the latter is a far more enjoyable and complete experience. The homeless but still optimistic Tohru Honda moves in with the Sohma family, a respected group who hide a rather unique secret. It does not take too long for Honda to develop close friendships with the family's members, forming relationships that drive growth for everyone involved.

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Gorgeously animated, beautifully written, and narratively satisfying, Fruits Basket is one of the best anime on Funimation regardless of genre or demographic.

Kaleido Star

Kaleido Star anime
Kaleido Star

Release Date
April 4, 2003
Studio
Gonzo
Number of Episodes
51
MyAnimeList Score
7.93

A somewhat lesser-known shoujo anime, Kaleido Star is a character-driven drama set within a circus troupe. Sora Naegino makes her way to the United States to pursue her dream of joining the eponymous Kaleido Star, a journey that has a rough start and hardly gets easier as things proceed. Although there are some fantastical elements, the 2004 anime predominantly focuses on the challenges faced by young performers seeking to survive in an industry that has little time for failure.

The characters make this anime, as they feel like real people rather than archetypes. The first season is stronger than the second, although the latter is still enjoyable and picks up steam nicely as it goes along.

Revolutionary Girl Utena

Utena Tenjou the Prince from Revolutionary Girl Utena
Revolutionary Girl Utena

Japanese Title
Shoujo Kakumei Utena
Release Date
April 2, 1997
Studio
J.C.Staff
Number of Episodes
39
MyAnimeList Score
8.20

An indisputable classic, Revolutionary Girl Utena is a masterpiece. A deconstruction of shoujo anime in many ways, the 1997 series follows Utena Tenjou, a girl who wishes to become a prince in honor of someone she met as a child. This road ushers her to Ohtori Academy and Anthy, a girl with a strange power that could change the world. Deciding to protect Anthy, Utena takes on all sorts of threats, including from other students.

Revolutionary Girl Utena revolves around the relationship between Utena and Anthy, chronicling their growth as people who are searching for their identities. As it is quite surreal, the anime can be a touch difficult to follow at times, but it is worth the effort.

Best Sports Anime On Funimation

Ping Pong The Animation

Ping Pong The Animation anime
Ping Pong The Animation

Release Date
April 11, 2014
Studio
Tatsunoko Production
Number of Episodes
11
Based On
Manga
Creator
Taiyō Matsumoto
MyAnimeList Score
8.62

Directed by Masaaki Yuasa, Ping Pong the Animation is a sports anime that is really not about its primary activity. The story revolves around two friends, Smile and Peco, who bounded over table tennis. However, when Peco starts to lose his way, Smile makes it his mission to bring his friend back.

Ping Pong the Animation packs a lot of depth into its short run, exploring the psyches of its core characters and the relationships that help shape them. Its art style is also unique and complements the narrative.

Best Harem Anime On Funimation

Saekano: How To Raise A Boring Girlfriend

Saekano How To Raise A Boring Girlfriend season 1 anime
Saekano: How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend

Japanese Title
Saenai Heroine no Sodatekata
Release Date
January 9, 2015
Studio
A-1 Pictures
Number of Episodes
24
Based On
Light Novel
Creator
Fumiaki Maruto
MyAnimeList Score
7.48 (Season 1)

Harem stories are all about bringing people together in an attempt to spread love, friendship, and miscommunication. The genre is an acquired taste, but if someone is looking to test this flavor, Saekano is the perfect sample. In the pursuit of his dream to develop a game, Tomoya Aki assembles a team of talented individuals who specialize in different areas. Now, they happen to be all women, which proves to be a blessing (or a curse) since Tomoya is creating a dating sim.

Saekano blends romance, slice of life, and comedy quite well, crafting a holistic and satisfying overall experience. Most of the main characters are likable and fully developed, which is not that common in harem shows. Unfortunately, only season one is available on Funimation, so fans will need to look elsewhere to watch the rest of the show.

The Quintessential Quintuplets

The Quintessential Quintuplets 2
The Quintessential Quintuplets

Japanese Title
5-toubun no Hanayome
Release Date
January 11, 2019
Studio
Tezuka Productions, Bibury Animation Studios
Number of Episodes
24
Based On
Manga
Creator
Negi Haruba
MyAnimeList Score
7.66 (Season 1)

The Quintessential Quintuplets is shockingly good. On the surface, a show about a guy tutoring five identical twins who gradually develop feelings for their mentor sounds like it should be trash (in a fun way); yet, the anime blows away these expectations almost immediately.

The Quintessential Quintuplets treats its characters with respect, allowing each of them to exist with flaws, eccentricities, and fears. This mentality extends to both the protagonist and the girls, all of whom feel like three-dimensional people rather than archetypes. Season 2 is particularly strong.

The Quintessential Quintuplets is a shonen anime, but it was included here since that demographic is not traditionally associated with the harem genre.

Best Isekai Anime On Funimation

That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime

rimuru's gluttonous king beelzebub
That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime

Japanese Title
Tensei shitara Slime Datta Ken
Release Date
October 2, 2018
Studio
Eight Bit
Number of Episodes
48+
Based On
Novel & Light Novel
Creator
Fuse
MyAnimeList Score
8.14 (Season 1)

Isekai has been around for a long time, but the concept truly became mainstream over the last decade. Nowadays, every season tends to have a couple of shows about people being whisked away to other worlds; consequently, this subgenre has become oversaturated and overexposed. While there are plenty of underwhelming isekai stories out there, occasionally something like That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime comes along that illustrates why this premise has so much potential.

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Funnily enough, this show contains many of the common tropes that characterize isekai: an overpowered protagonist and a (somewhat) generic fantasy world influenced by MMOs. However, That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime builds beautifully on these foundations, crafting an uplifting story filled with action, comedy, and unforgettable characters. When Satoru passes away, he reawakens in a new world as a slime. Despite starting from the bottom, Satoru learns that he has the power to consume the skills of other monsters, and he quickly grows strong. Going by Rimuru, the protagonist sets out to start a kingdom for monsters.

Overlord

ainz ooal gown resurrection ability
Overlord

Release Date
July 7, 2015
Studio
Madhouse
Number of Episodes
52
Based On
Novel & Light Novel
Creator
Kugane Maruyama
MyAnimeList Score
7.91 (Season 1)

Essentially the exact opposite of That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, Overlord tells the story of Ainz Ooal Gown, a former human who becomes trapped as his gaming avatar in a world reminiscent of the RPG he used to play. There is just one massive difference: Everyone in this world is far less powerful than Ainz.

Cast in this new role alongside servant NPCs that are also quite deadly, Ainz sets out to learn more about this world, a journey that sees him embracing a straight-up villainous role. Overlord is an isekai anime from the perspective of the final boss of a game set within a universe that has no heroes to fall back on. Darkly comical and bizarrely satisfying, this show is evil in the best possible way.

Log Horizon

Log Horizon Shiroe and Naotsugu talking
Log Horizon

Release Date
October 5, 2013
Studio
Satelight, Studio Deen
Number of Episodes
62
Based On
Novel & Light Novel
Creator
Mamare Touno
MyAnimeList Score
7.92 (Season 1)

In many ways, Log Horizon is the prototypical MMORPG isekai anime. Thousands of Japanese players suddenly find them stuck as their avatars in Elder Tale, a game world that is, luckily for the heroes, a bit more forgiving than Elden Ring. While there is the usual adventuring that one comes to expect from the genre, Log Horizon focuses heavily on the players' attempts to integrate themselves within this world. While they were birthed from code, Elder Tale's NPCs are living, breathing entities who have made this realm their home. Consequently, the teleported players must learn to co-exist with these people.

Log Horizon's first season stands toe-to-toe with nearly any other isekai anime out there. It has a fantastic and unique main character, good animation, and stellar world-building. The sequel seasons struggle to reach the same heights, but they are still enjoyable in their own right.

Best Action Anime On Funimation (Not Battle Shonen)

Fate/Zero

Fate Zero anime Saber in battle
Fate/Zero

Release Date
October 1, 2011
Studio
Ufotable
Number of Episodes
25
Based On
Light Novel
Creator
Gen Urobuchi
MyAnimeList Score
8.28 (Season 1)

Anyone looking for smooth animation and glorious fight sequences can safely turn to the Fate franchise for guidance. Not everything associated with the license strikes gold, but when one of its anime hits the mark, Fate reaches a standard of quality touched by precious few properties. A decade after its debut and Fate/Zero is still arguably the franchise's best anime, a claim that is not made easily considering Fate/stay night and its movies also exist.

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Fate/Zero follows the Holy Grail war where human mages summon servants, aka heroes from history, to duke it out in battles to the death. The winner gets to make any wish they want, and there is absolutely no way that could backfire. Ufotable pulled out all the stops when making Fate/Zero, crafting an adaptation that delivers unbeatable action, a gripping storyline, and iconic characters.

Black Lagoon

Black Lagoon anime revy
Black Lagoon

Release Date
April 9, 2006
Studio
Madhouse
Number of Episodes
29
Based On
Manga
Creator
Rei Hiroe
MyAnimeList Score
8.03 (Season 1)

Madhouse was on a roll during the mid-2000s, and Black Lagoon is among the studio's most persevering releases. Set within Roanapur, Thailand, the story follows a Japanese businessman who winds up the hostage of a group of mercenaries; long story short, Rokurou Okahima (Rock) decides to start work with the "criminals" as they show him a life filled with excitement (and danger).

Black Lagoon boasts absolutely splendid action, not only in terms of animation but also variety. Each arc offers something different from the last, be it a trip to an abandoned submarine or an all-out battle royale in the streets of Roanapur. The chaos on screen is complemented by a strong roster of characters, all of which are fully formed and have unique ideologies that set them apart from more cookie-cutter protagonists. Revy and Rock, in particular, are an all-time great anime pair.

Golden Kamuy

Promo art featuring characters from Golden Kamuy
Golden Kamuy

Release Date
April 9, 2018
Studio
Geno Studio, Brain's Base
Number of Episodes
49
Based On
Manga
Creator
Satoru Noda
MyAnimeList Score
7.88 (Season 1)

The action-adventure series is unpredictable; one scene might involve a gory fight against a bear or a blade slashing across a character's mouth, while a few minutes later the same figures are indulging in silly banter that would make Gintama proud. Quite a few shows struggle to balance drama and comedy, but Golden Kamuy has figured out the formula.

When it comes to its story, this series is no slouch either. Set after the Russo-Japanese War, Golden Kamuy follows different groups as they pursue the Ainu people's gold, a quest that requires piecing together a map painted across the bodies of many prisoners. The characters are also fantastic, as is the complex relationship between the battle-worn Saichi Sugimoto and the young Asirpa.

Hellsing Ultimate

Hellsing Ultimate
Hellsing Ultimate

Release Date
February 10, 2006
Studio
Satelight, Madhouse, Graphinica
Number of Episodes
10
Based On
Manga
Creator
Kouta Hirano
MyAnimeList Score
8.35

Released over the course of six years, Hellsing Ultimate is a grand celebration of excess. The vampire-themed anime envisions a world where demons are rampant and the only thing standing in their way is an organization run by Integra Hellsing and her dog, Alucard. This anime has Nazis, enough gore to fill a dozen swimming pools, and more monologues than an Oscar bait movie; more importantly, Hellsing Ultimate is ridiculously entertaining.

While the anime does not take itself too seriously, that does not mean Madhouse cut any corners when it comes to this OVA series' animation. Smooth, creative, and unforgettable, the action sequences are among the studio's greatest achievements, and that is saying something.

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