When considering individualanimeepisodes, it’s clear that the ones praised the most by fans and holders of the highest ratings are filled with epic action scenes, dazzling animation, or iconic conclusions to major characters' arcs. As a result, it’s easy to see among the great variety of tiles available in the medium which anime episodes have hit fans the most.
From the classics to the new generation of anime, plenty of episodes have struck a chord with fans and remained engraved in their minds for a long time. But even with many series being incredibly popular andhighly acclaimed, only afew individual anime episodes are so good that they are considered masterpieces.
Episode 10 ofViolet Evergardenshines for its superb direction, with precise pacing and perfectly tailored cuts that highlight the best of the story. The story of Anne and her mother, and the secret behind the letters, was personal and heartbreaking for viewers, leaving most unable to hold back a tear.
“A loved one will always watch over you.”
- Violet Evergarden, Episode 10.
Furthermore, this episode shows viewers another side of the usually cold Violet, who is starting to reconnect with her emotions, and teaches an important lesson about valuing life and the time spent together.Episode 10 ofViolet Evergardenwas an emotional roller coaster from beginning to end, one that viewers can’t recall without feeling a small throb in their hearts.
One of the best-directed episodes in anime,Re:Zeroepisode 15, is as iconic as it is traumatic. Unlike most anime, whose best episodes feature flashy fights or epic feats,Re:Zeroepisode 15 stands out for how it leaves viewers shaken and devastated, giving a taste of what insanity and helplessness feel like.
Re:Zeroperfectly displays a disturbing atmosphere, proving how darkRe:Zero’sworld truly is and making clear that the anime wasn’t the typical isekai. Betelgeuse’s madness, Subaru’s rage, and Rem’s heartbreaking torture are enhanced by a masterful soundtrack, with the episode’s climax delivering one of anime’s most shocking moments and leaving viewers wondering if everything was already lost.
Viewers wouldn’t have expected the story of a middle-aged walrus taxi driver to be something worthy of hype for most anime fans. However, the story steadily gave clues about the missing person case involving Hiroshi Odokawa, reaching its climax with a masterful resolution in episode 13 that cementedOdd Taxias one of themost underrated animeof recent years.
From the revelation of Odokawa’s backstory, an exciting car chase, and the biggest plot twist that explainedOdd Taxi’s major narrative decision, episode 13 stunned viewers by seamlessly connecting several storylines and character arcs. As a result,Odd Taxi’s finale felt like a satisfying ride, embodying the atmosphere of a Tarantino filmand becoming an anime masterpiece.
One PieceEpisode 1015 is thrilling, intense, dramatic, and epic. It features impressive action scenes and outstanding visuals that highlight Luffy’s journey with an epic high that overflows from start to finish. As a result,One PieceEpisode 1015 became an animated gem, earning a special place in the hearts of fans and marking a before and after in the anime.
One PieceEpisode 1015 was directed by Megumi Ishitani, who was also in charge ofDragon Ball SuperEpisode 131, which features the iconic battle of Goku and Jiren.
One PieceEpisode 1015 is also rightfully considered among the best of the franchise for its emotional weight due to its heartfelt flashbacks and the importance of the events for Luffy in the battle against Kaido. This episode also set the bar high for the following episodes, withOne Piece’s anime delivering a better animation quality for fans to enjoy.
It isn’t an overstatement that Goku’s transformation into Super Saiyan revolutionized shōnen manga, andDragon Ball Zepisode 95 does justice to such an iconic moment. Goku unleashed rage and hatred after witnessing Krillin’s death at the hands of Frieza, triggering the first appearance of the legendary Super Saiyan Transformation.
From the voice acting to Goku’s unadulterated angry expression and sound design that highlighted Goku’s ki covering his body, Dragon Ball’s anime knew how to convey the newly multiplied strength of the warrior. This remainsone of the most chilling moments thatDragon Ball’s fans will never forgetand has cemented itself into anime history.
The climax ofFullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhoodfeatures incredible teamwork in the final fight against Father. Edward and Father enter the Gate of Truth and are forced to confront their past decisions. This development gives narrative and philosophical meaning to the entire plot ofFullmetal Alchemist, with the story coming full circle.
The weight of sacrifice and the price of alchemy were a central theme of the journey of the Elric brothers, andFullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhoodepisode 63 shares a powerful message about the pursuit of power and knowledge, teaching that actions have consequences. This episode perfectlyshowcases howFullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhoodwas as thrilling as it was deepand thought-provoking.
ThroughoutCowboy Bebop, there’s an underlying deep melancholy and bittersweet tone that balances between humor and tragedy, but “The Real Folk Blues: Part 2” was all about developing Spike Spiegel in the most emotional way possible.Spike’s final fight against Vicious and his ultimate fate are kept printed into fans' memoriesfor how impactful and meaningful they were.
“I’m not going there to die. I’m going to find out if I’m really alive”
- Cowboy Bebop, Episode 26.
Filled with symbolism that keeps sparking debate decades after its release,Cowboy Bebopepisode 26 has not only inspired many popular works such asJohn WickandDeath Notebut also closes the space opera in a perfectly ambiguous way that is remembered as one of thebest endings in anime history.
The Survey Corps' confrontation withthe Armored Titanand Armin’s plan to defeat the Colossal Titan, which involved him in an unexpected way, remain etched in the memory ofAttack on Titan’s fans for their incredible display of sacrifice. Furthermore, the fight between Levi and the Beast Titan is full of high-intensity scenes due to its fluid and dynamic animation.
However, beyond its fluid and dynamic animation, Levi’s fight, which feels almost like a one-sided beatdown, carries immense narrative meaning as it shoulders the weight of the fallen soldiers. This unique set of events madethe episode “Hero” stand out among the incredibleAttack on Titan Season 3, showing that even surrounded by titans, Levi was the real monster.
InHunter x HunterEpisode 135, which serves as the emotional climax of the Chimera Ant Arc, the king, Meruem, embraces his humanity thanks to Komugi’s influence and their gungi games. However, amidst the destruction, death, and the exploration of human malice,the Chimera Ant Arc showcases a heartbreaking love story.
Meruem and Komugi enjoyed their time together but were unable to finish their final game of gungi in one ofHunter x Hunter’s best moments, which hides incredible symbolism. Furthermore,Hunter x HunterEpisode 135 helped make the Chimera Ant Arc one of the best arcs in anime history, with a beautiful and bittersweet final scene.
Thorfinn’s journey started with the death of his father, Thors. However, Thorfinn reached a cathartic point when the subject of his hatred, Askeladd, finished his role in his story. As a result, thefinale ofVinland Saga’s first part is the true beginning of Thorfinn’s story, with the realization that his father’s dagger will never reach his objective.
Canute’s position, the change in power in the monarchy, Askeladd’s goal, and his words towards Thorfinn were masterfully crafted together to leave an indelible mark on viewers.The “End of the Prologue” inVinland Sagais an episode that makes viewers reflectand perfectly sets the first step from revenge towards the redemption that may lead to Valhalla.
