The 25 Best Adventure Anime of All Time

One Piece follows Monkey D. Luffy, a rubber-limbed pirate, as he gathers a diverse crew to search for the legendary treasure, "One Piece." Its epic scope, loads of memorable characters, and genius balance of humor and emotion have helped it become one of the most memorable adventure series of all time. From strange attacks and bizarre storylines with imaginative world-building and an engaging story. One Piece has captivated audiences through hundreds of episodes. The series' popularity and longevity are testaments to its excellence, and if you aren't a member of the "Straw Hat Pirates" yet, it's high time you set sail. 

Hunter x Hunter revolves around Gon Freecss, a young boy on a quest to find his father and become a "Hunter." The series is known for its intricate character development, engaging story arcs, and fascinating power system, "Nen." Hunter x Hunter constantly reinvents itself while exploring human potential and does it while oozing style. Its emotional depth and strategic battles set it apart from similar series, and divisive characters like the seriously creepy Hisoka make for fun discussions between fans. It'll scratch the adventure itch quite nicely, whether you watch the original series or the newer remake.  

This legendary series takes us to the world of space bounty hunters, where Spike Spiegel and his Bebop crew hunt down the galaxy's most dangerous criminals. There's a reason it's gone down in history as one of the most popular anime of all time, and that becomes evident a couple of episodes in. The series combines noir, western, and sci-fi elements with an iconic jazz soundtrack. Cowboy Bebop is renowned for its exceptional storytelling and memorable characters. The series expertly blends action, humor, and thought-provoking themes. Its distinctive style and depth have secured its position as one of the best adventure anime -- and you'll think so too after you meet Spike, Faye, Jet, and Ed.

Samurai Champloo is set in Edo-period Japan, blending samurai culture with modern hip-hop elements. It follows the impulsive Mugen, reserved Jin, and plucky Fuu on their journey to find a samurai who smells of sunflowers. And all of the music within, especially Nujabes's "Battlecry," is an absolute banger. Its innovative style, fluid action sequences, and unique twist on the samurai films it draws from set it apart. You never quite know what's around the corner as the trio moves forward on their journey, and its seamless blend of hip-hop elements, music remixing, and Japanese culture makes for an irresistible show reminiscent of classics like Afro Samurai. It's a can't-miss hit, just like Cowboy Bebop.

Naruto follows the spirited young ninja Naruto Uzumaki, who wants to become the strongest ninja ever by taking the title of the "Fourth Hokage" of his village. Along the way, he also hopes to gain his village's respect. He also makes friends with others looking to travel the path of the ninja, like aloof Sasuke and flirtatious Sakura, as well as a wealth of ferocious villains and secrets buried within the town he grew up in. Naruto's growth as he overcomes trials and tribulations has resonated with fans worldwide and the character's popularity isn't showing signs of slowing as it's spawned two additional series, with one exploring Naruto's family later on in his life. Naruto's heartwarming and exciting story has earned it a spot among the best adventure anime.

MUSHI-SHI explores the ethereal world of "Mushi," supernatural creatures that coexist with humans. It stars Ginko, a wandering Mushi expert, as he helps people affected by these mysterious beings. That could be children who have gone blind because the Mushi have literally eaten their eyes, or getting rid of those that implant themselves in dreams. MUSHI-SHI stands out for its serene atmosphere, thought-provoking themes, and stunning visuals. The episodic format delves into the delicate balance between humans and Mushi, and its mystery keeps you tuning into the next episode, even if it's just to learn more about Ginko.

Kino's Journey -the Beautiful World- the Animated Series invites viewers to join Kino, a young traveler, and Hermes, her talking motorcycle, as they explore various countries and cultures. Each episode explores the unique customs, philosophies, and ways of life that Kino happens upon during her travels. The series explores society and human nature while presenting plenty of pointed, introspective moments. It may not always be a comfortable adventure, but it is one that will keep you talking and thinking about what's going on on-screen, and that's the mark of a great show. Especially one where there's a talking motorcycle. 

Soul Eater is set in the supernatural realm of "Death City," where students of the "Death Weapon Meister Academy" train to become powerful fighters. The story follows Maka Albarn, her weapon partner Soul Eater (yes, that’s his name), and their friends as they battle witches, demons, and their own inner struggles. Soul Eater is not only colorful and spunky, but its unique blend of action and humor set it apart from so many of the other humdrum shonen series on the horizon. Whether you’re watching Black Star grow as a fighter or trying to figure out how Death the Kid will deal with a situation where there isn’t symmetry, there’s always something exciting on the horizon. 

Claymore transports viewers to a medieval world where shape-shifting monsters called "Yoma" terrorize humanity. Think Berserk, but with a mostly-female cast and a lot of drama even among the “good” guys. Hybrid warriors known as "Claymores," wielding massive swords and unique abilities, are humanity's last line of defense. The story follows Clare, a skilled Claymore, as she seeks vengeance and redemption while trying to figure out her purpose in life beyond being a killing machine. Claymore's intense action sequences, gripping storyline, and exploration of humanity and sacrifice set it apart in the adventure genre. Its compelling characters and dark, atmospheric world have secured its place among the best, especially given its stars’ interpersonal relationships.

Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann (Gurren Lagann for short) is set in a future where humanity has been forced underground, living in fear of the oppressive "Spiral King." The story follows Simon, a young digger, and Kamina, a charismatic rebel, as they rise up against tyranny with their allies. Gurren Lagann is known for its over-the-top action, vibrant visuals, and inspiring themes of hope and determination, even in the face of certain despair. There’s something ridiculously infectious about this show, especially when it comes to Kamina, that you won’t forget long after the credits roll. 

Made in Abyss invites viewers to explore the "Abyss," an immense, enigmatic chasm teeming with wondrous creatures and ancient relics. The narrative follows Riko, an aspiring cave raider, and Reg, a unique robot boy, as they venture deeper into the Abyss, facing its many challenges and perils. The series is notable for its rich visuals that capture the Abyss's diverse ecosystems and its hauntingly beautiful soundtrack that complements the atmosphere. As Riko and Reg encounter new friends, foes, and revelations, the story becomes ever darker and harrowing, making it an emotional must-watch. Just don't forget the tissues. 

Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic immerses viewers in a world inspired by Arabian Nights, where magical dungeons known as "labyrinths" hold treasures guarded by "Djinn." The story centers on Aladdin, a young magician with a mysterious past, and Alibaba, a resourceful swordsman. Together, they navigate labyrinths, battle adversaries, and encounter creatures like the fierce dungeon capturers and the enigmatic Magi. The series delves into themes such as the complexities of politics and power struggles, as well as the importance of personal choices in shaping one's destiny. And it may seem colorful and fantastical, but you may be caught off-guard when it inevitably veers off into darker territory. 

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood details the journey of the Elric brothers, Edward and Alphonse, as they seek the "Philosopher's Stone" to reverse the consequences of their tragic alchemical experiment. In this world, alchemy is harnessed through the scientific principles of equivalent exchange. The brothers face various challenges, including battling powerful "Homunculi," uncovering the hidden agenda of a secret society, and grappling with their personal dilemmas. It also features Edward complaining about people calling him short, so keep an eye out for that, too.

Attack on Titan immerses viewers in a world where humanity is on the verge of annihilation, encircled by towering walls to defend against massive humanoid creatures called "Titans." The narrative focuses on Eren Yeager, Mikasa Ackerman, and Armin Arlert, who enlist in the military to combat these relentless beings. Sure, it has political intrigue, conspiracies, and plenty of drama, but the real draw is the Titans themselves. We won't ruin it for you. Just know that they're simultaneously terrifying and offensively goofy at the same time and you won't want to stop watching. 

JoJo's Bizarre Adventure is a wildly entertaining, multi-generational roller coaster ride that follows the fantastical adventures and supernatural shenanigans of the Joestar clan. Each story arc spotlights a different family member as they clash with wacky foes, unlock awe-inspiring powers, and dig up the peculiar secrets of their lineage. Whether you're following Joseph Joestar as he learns how to control his "Hamon" powers or getting to know the stoic Jotaro Kujo and his outlandish "Stand" as he clashes with the nefarious Dio, there's truly a little something for everyone here. 

The Seven Deadly Sins catapults viewers into a whimsical medieval realm where a legendary band of knights, once denounced as traitors, must regroup to rescue the kingdom. We follow the spirited Princess Elizabeth as she embarks on a quest to rally these mighty yet imperfect warriors to help restore her domain, but there's a lot more to it than that -- once she does meet the "Sins," specifically leader Meliodas, she's in for a lot more than she bargained for. 

The Rising of the Shield Hero is all about a young man named Naofumi Iwatani, an ordinary guy summoned to a parallel world as one of the four legendary heroes. Falsely accused and shunned by society, he must rise above it all and protect the world from waves of catastrophic events. Even if they think he's the scum of the earth. From Naofumi taking in the young Raphtalia to unraveling the mysteries behind who was actually behind what he was accused of, The Rising of the Shield Hero's compelling narrative and underdog protagonist make for an interesting, out-of-the-box adventure that's unlike most series, let alone "isekai," you'll see these days. You'll definitely become enamored with this pick on our list of the best adventure anime.

Vinland Saga takes us to the age of Vikings, where we follow the life of Thorfinn, a young warrior seeking vengeance for his father's murder. As he navigates the brutal world of warring factions, Thorfinn encounters both friends and foes, which ultimately shapes his destiny. It's a historical anime, but don't think it's simply ripped out of the history books. It combines stunning visuals with intense action that you'll want to see more of as soon as each episode ends.  The series explores themes of revenge, honor, and the pursuit of a better life. But its rich historical context makes it one of the best adventure anime you can sink your teeth into -- because you may very well learn something while you watch. 

Re: ZERO finds Subaru Natsuki, an ordinary teenager who wakes up in a fantasy world one day where he discovers he has the power to return from death. As he faces a series of life-threatening challenges, Subaru must rely on his newfound ability and the help of his allies to survive -- and it means dying, over and over, and over again. This show offers a unique twist on the adventure genre with its time-loop narrative. You never quite know where Subaru's "return" point will be, and it often causes unforeseen problems relating to how he's able to help the kingdom he finds himself in. You'll fall in love with Subaru's pure love for the fair Emilia, and you'll also wonder how he can be so callous as to see the beautiful Rem as just a friend -- but most of all you'll be dabbing at your eyes several times over. Just watch it. 

Berserk is one of the darkest entries on this list and certainly one of the most captivating. It transports viewers to a dark, medieval world where Guts, a lone mercenary with a tragic past, battles monstrous creatures and human adversaries alike. As he seeks vengeance against his former comrade Griffith, Guts becomes entangled in a web of supernatural forces and ancient prophecies. Oh, and there are a lot of end-of-the-world-type things going on, too. If you love brutal action plus watching some of the scummiest characters of all time revel in human suffering and disturbing content, Berserk was made just for you. 

Dororo centers on Hyakkimaru, a young swordsman, who searches for his stolen body parts after being cursed by demons. We're talking about missing his entire face here. He is accompanied by the resourceful orphan named Dororo, and together they face a series of supernatural adversaries. As Hyakkimaru finds ways to interact with the world around him once more, like having Dororo be his eyes and finding a way to eat and communicate with others, he develops as a swordsman as well. It's a heartbreaking tale of loss that somehow blossoms into a positive one, and it's an adventure you won't soon forget.

Log Horizon transports players of the popular MMORPG, "Elder Tale," into the game's world following an unexpected update. It tells the tale of Shiroe, a master strategist, as he unites players navigating this weird new reality and working to uncover its mysteries. Much like Sword Art Online, it explores teamwork, investigates in-game politics, and showcases what it's like for real people who have found themselves stuck inside a video game. Log Horizon's immersive world makes it a great candidate for those looking for a lengthy and quickly developing tale that won't have them lost in jargon and character development. This MMORPG-flavored series is indeed one of the best adventure anime to binge-watch ASAP.

Meet Vash the Stampede, a gunslinger with a massive bounty on his head. Despite his reputation, Vash is a pacifist, seeking non-violent solutions to conflicts while being pursued by dangerous enemies. When he gets mixed up with two roving insurance agents, he sets off on a journey that will forever change the trio -- but don't worry. There are plenty of laughs and action in equal measure as Vash may be the "human typhoon", but he's also a goofball. Trigun is known for its blend of action, comedy, and seriously great gunplay. And this classic should be at the top of your list to watch. 

Parasyte -the maxim- is set in a bleak vision of Earth where parasitic aliens invade and take control of human hosts, threatening humanity's survival. Starring unsuspecting high school student Shinichi, the aliens use him as a vessel to form an uneasy alliance with a parasite named "Migi" to combat the other, somehow worse parasitic aliens. yeah. If you like body horror and watching someone's head come apart to slice a body open or, well, devour them whole, Parasyte is for you. It's a lot more than that, though. It just happens to excel at this type of creepiness, and it's a fantastic watch.

Fate/Zero takes place in a world where powerful mages summon historical heroes to compete in a deadly battle royale for the "Holy Grail." It's a relic that can grant any wish. This prequel to Fate/Stay Night features various participants as they strategize, form alliances, and clash in epic battles. You'll need to watch this before the rest of the Fate series to get the complete picture of the franchise, but it's a worthy watch you won't soon forget. And now that's a wrap for our recommendations for the best adventure anime you need to check out.