Amanda Overton and Alex Yee talk Arcane Season 2.Image by Jefferson Chacon
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Lucas Kloberdanz-Dyck
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Lucas Kloberdanz-Dyck is a writer for Collider. He grew up creating lists, stories, and worlds, which led to his love of anime and video games. He attended Sheridan College where he earned an Honours Bachelor of Game Design. Lucas and his group won 1st place for technical innovation at LevelUp Toronto 2023, and he was also an intern for the Oakville Film Festival of Arts.
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This decade has produced an increasing number of incredible animated TV shows, highlighting the medium's rising popularity. One of the greatest new animated series is Arcane, which dazzled fans with its gorgeous animation, complex characters, and engrossing plot. Frankly speaking, there aren’t many animated series better than it.
However, anime is another medium that is taking off, with shows such as Demon Slayer becoming world-renowned. That is why this list highlights 10 perfect anime that are even better than Arcane, based on animation, writing, story, critical acclaim, fan opinion, and originality. If fans loved Arcane, these anime should be next on their watchlist.
10 ‘Chainsaw Man’ (2022–Present)
Denji transforms into Chainsaw Man in Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc.Image via MAPPA
After blowing up in 2022, Chainsaw Man is back in the public spotlight after the film, Chainsaw Man Movie: Reze Arc, wowed fans. Denji has lived in debt since birth, but he has always had his best friend, Pochita, by his side. When they merge, and he becomes a chainsaw devil, he is enlisted by the devil hunters, where he finally can enjoy everyday luxuries.
The first season was bizarre, well-animated, action-packed, and captivating from start to finish. Fans don’t know what they are in store for, as it provides a wild ride with thrilling fights and unique characters. The movie is flawless, being a daring romantic story that is both tragic and exhilarating, with some of the most chaotic action sequences and the best animation in years.
9 ‘The Apothecary Diaries’ (2023–Present)
The Apothecary Diaries animeImage via OLM
Historical anime is an underrated genre, but shows like The Apothecary Diaries prove that it can become mainstream. When Maomao is kidnapped and sold to the imperial palace, she uses her medical and deductive skills to become a vital piece. From solving mysteries to working as an apothecary, this anime has plenty of drama, suspense, and romance.
With around 50 episodes already, The Apothecary Diaries is fast-tracking production, having also announced a new season and film for 2026. But it doesn’t sacrifice quality for quantity, with each episode being a riveting mystery or steamy romance. This show is intelligent, mature, and well-written, piecing together a masterfully crafted plot with many moving pieces.
8 ‘Gurren Lagann’ (2007)
The Tengen Toppa from Gurren Lagann looking like Kamina as it stands over the anti-spiral.Image via Gainax
Anime is weird — no one is denying that — but what it does with its weirdness can either make or break the show. Gurren Lagann follows friends from an underground city who discover an ancient mech. Drilling out above ground, they decide to make a new life for themselves, fighting whoever they need to build that path to the heavens.
Gurren Lagann and Arcane are very different shows, but the former is pure exhilaration and way more exciting. This hype-inducing anime takes action and scale to the next level, having giant mechs and interdimensional beings chuck galaxies at each other. Gurren Lagann isn’t without drama either, having one of the saddest moments in anime history, which makes it a 2000s anime masterpiece.
7 ‘Orb: On the Movements of the Earth’ (2024–2025)
Rafal looking at the moon with a doorway of light in Orb: On the Movements of Earth.Image via Madhouse
After The Apothecary Diaries, this list features another historical anime, this time being Orb: On the Movements of the Earth, one of the best anime of 2024. It is common sense that the Earth revolves around the sun, but it wasn’t always like that, and this anime follows a group of protagonists seeking to prove heliocentrism without getting caught by the church.
Orb and Arcane share a few similarities, but they are both masterfully written and among the best of their medium for this decade. Orb manages to use each protagonist in a different way, with various ideals and philosophies coming together for a common goal. Its story is unique and motivational, building towards the inevitable truth in poetic fashion, making it one of the best anime series of the 2020s.
6 ‘Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion’ (2006–2008)
Lelouch Lamperouge smiling wickedly in the anime Code Geass.Image Via Crunchyroll
This list features a couple of the greatest mecha anime of all time, a genre that is a staple of the medium. Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion follows the titular protagonist gaining the power to control anyone. With it, he sets out to liberate the Japanese people from Britannia's rule, while pursuing his own goals of vengeance.
Code Geass features one of the most political plots in anime, using its complex narrative and well-written characters to create a riveting mind game. Some fans don’t like the art style, but its story, action-packed mech battles, and political intrigue make it one of the most engaging and intense anime that Arcane fans should definitely watch.
5 ‘Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End’ (2023–Present)
Frieren with a glowing orb in Frieren: Beyond Journey's End.Image via Madhouse
If Arcane is the best animated series of the 2020s, then Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is the best anime of the 2020s. When the eponymous protagonist never adequately expressed her emotions to her previous party, she sets out on an adventure with their pupils to the land of the dead, where she plans to say unsaid words to them.
Opposed to Arcane's dark world and tragic plot, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is set in a mystical world that is serene and magical, but still full of danger. This anime proves that with patient storytelling and a calm narrative, taking time to explore and enjoy the side quests can make a fantastic plot. Every fan needs to watch this modern classic, widely regarded as one of the best anime ever.
4 ‘Mob Psycho 100’ (2016–2022)
Mob in a state of rage in Mob Psycho 100 Season 3.Image via Bones
ONE is a legendary creator, but unfortunately, his most popular series isn’t getting the treatment it deserves, with One Punch Man Season 3 leaving fans severely disappointed. However, they can at least enjoy Mob Psycho 100, which is perfect from start to finish. Mob is the world’s strongest psychic, but by restricting his emotions, they burst out in psychic explosions, making his life, as well as the lives of his friends and enemies, more difficult.
Arcane’s animation is incredible, but Mob Psycho 100’s animation is much more unique, stunning, and innovative. From bright colors to a contrasting art style to fluid movement, this anime perfectly captures the theme and story through its gorgeous visuals. It has a powerful message, plenty of funny characters, epic fights, and character development, which makes it an engaging series and one of the best anime of all time.
3 ‘Vinland Saga’ (2019–Present)
This list has a surprising number of historical anime, with the latest being Vinland Saga, set in the Viking Age. When the Vikings kill Thorfinn’s dad, he joins their crew looking for revenge, but he isn’t strong enough yet. This takes him on an arduous adventure where his body, mind, philosophies, ideals, and motivations will be tested.
Vinland Saga might be the best recommendation for fans of Arcane, as both feature themes of the cycle of revenge, political struggles, and found families. They each offer a profound character study and remarkable development, and no matter which one fans prefer, they can accept that both are incredible. However, Vinland Saga has a more intriguing historical presence and lots more story to tell.
2 ‘Cowboy Bebop’ (1998–1999)
Cowboy Bebop characters against a dark orange background.Image via Sunrise
Cowboy Bebop is one of the most essential anime series of all time, influencing a generation of fans, boosting the medium's popularity in the West, and redefining a genre. Spike and his crew are intergalactic bounty hunters, but when his dark past catches up with him, he needs to handle things himself or risk putting his friends in harm's way.
There is no denying that Cowboy Bebop is one of the greatest anime shows of all time, but if there is one reason why it is better than Arcane, it is because of its legacy, influence, and originality. Besides shaping an entire genre and medium, its inventive blend of jazz, noir, kung-fu action, and sci-fi made it a staple animated show. Cowboy Bebop is a must-watch for fans and new viewers alike, and Arcane simply can’t compete with that.
1 ‘Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood’ (2009–2010)
Edward and Alphonse Elric in 'Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood'.Image via Bones Inc.
Many series on this list are considered the best, and most anime fans don’t think there is a better series than Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, which is also one of the greatest manga of all time. After Ed and Al lose parts or all of their bodies in a taboo experiment, they go on an adventure to find the philosopher's stone. However, all they uncover is a government conspiracy that threatens to engulf the entire world.
It’s hard to think of a better anime or animated series than Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, and that includes Arcane. This anime has everything for everyone, from action to drama, mystery, comedy, romance, intrigue, world-building, lore, well-written characters, and a fascinating plot. Arcane is good, but not everyone agrees it is the best animated series of all time, whereas Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is pretty universally considered one of the best anime.
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Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Action
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Fantasy
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Shonen
Release Date
2009 - 2010
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Maxey Whitehead
Alphonse Elric
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Vic Mignogna
Edward Elric
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Arcane
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