In the world of anime, there are many great series based on the manga and other sources. But there are also a lot of series that are original. Every anime series in this list has its own unique story. We bring you the 10 best original anime series that are worth checking out.
Here are the 10 best original anime series that aren’t based on Manga.
When it comes to original anime series, there are a lot of great options for fans to sink their teeth into. From classic tales of magic and adventure to science fiction thrillers and actions, there’s something for everyone. Here are our top 10 picks for the best original anime series. Let’s get started.
10. Eden Of The East
At number ten, we have Eden of the East. It happened on November 22nd, 2010. There were various missile launches and yet not a single person was harmed. Considering how the terrorist attack didn’t essentially harm anyone, it soon became known as the careless Friday.
Eventually, it slipped everyone’s minds and they all just continued on with their everyday lives but three months after this incident, a sweet college student named Morimi gets help from a guy named Akira Takizawa. Now, this Akira fellow is quite the weird guy. He may or may not be wearing clothes.
He can often have amnesia and believes himself to be a terrorist, not to mention his odd cell phone has a collective sum of 8.2 billion yen. Just what the heck is going on? Well, you’ll have to watch the anime to find out.
Dubbed – Yes
Season – 1(11 Ep.)
09. Sonny Boy
This year went above and beyond to provide us with quality anime, one of those is Sonny Boy. It’s an odd yet thought-provoking tale, a psychological experience not just symbolic but also poetic. It definitely won’t make sense right away or even if it does, you might fail to see the point. Just be patient and experience it one episode at a time.
The story takes place in a school that somehow drifted into an unfamiliar realm. Thirty-six students inside it had no idea what was going on but when some of the students awakened their supernatural powers, how will the student council manage the students now that they are in an unfamiliar space, or rather why the heck did the school transport them into oblivion.
All of it will start making sense. Just make sure you don’t miss out on this anime.
Dubbed – Yes
Season – 1(12 Ep.)
08. Eureka Seven
A fourteen-year-old boy named Renton Thurston is from a backwater town. He wants to go out there join the mercenary group called Gekkostate and live his life. However, for what it’s worth he is stuck in an average and boring everyday routine where he spends time working with his grandfather who wants him to become a mechanic.
Though one day, when a mecha crashes into his garage, he has the encounter of a lifetime. It’s a girl named Eureka and as fate would have it, she is a member of Gekkostate.
She wants him to tune up the mecha but now when Renton was going to be involved with the Gekkostate, his mundane life has come to an end and the real story is about to begin.
Dubbed – Yes
Season – 2(74 Ep.)
07. Psycho Pass
Psycho Pass is an exceptional series that spans over several anime installments. It first came out in 2012 and has always been relevant whenever the anime community discusses original animes. The story itself takes place in the 22nd century.
Japan enforces a system called the civil system. Its primary purpose is to objectively determine the threat level of each citizen and the way it does it by examining their mental state for signs of criminal intent. This process is called psycho pass. Even so, the system isn’t as just as it may appear to be honest.
A young woman named Akane Tsunemori enters the police force. She has a strong desire to uphold justice but after observing the system, she eventually wonders about the very concept of justice. What is it truly? It is indeed a job well done.
Dubbed – Yes
Season – 3(41 Ep.)
06. FLCL
The main character named Naota Nandaba is your usual sixth grader living a life where nothing amazing ever seems to happen. On top of that, his brother leaves their place in order to go play basketball in the US. Now, Naota is taking care of his brother’s stuff, even his ex-girlfriend who had just started using Naota as a substitute for his brother.
This was not a very pleasant experience for Naota considering how all he wanted was peace and silence, but this astonishingly boring life is about to end. A pink-haired psychopath named Haruko Haruhara encounters Naota in a not so usual manner.
As it turns out, she’ll be staying with him at his house and not only that, she also drags Naota into the single greatest battle for supremacy there is. While it is only six episodes long, this anime is mesmerizing. Trust me, it’ll pull you into the screen.
Dubbed – Yes
Season – 1(6 Ep.)
05. A Place Further Than The Universe
A place further than the universe is a lovely tale of four high school girls who come together and aim for Antarctica. They each have a different reason, Shirase wants to go there because her mom never came back, one just wants to experience her youth, one wants to do something big, and the fourth wants to make friends.
Now, you guys have all heard the saying: it’s not the destination; it’s the journey that matters and the friends we make along the way. Well, this anime is the personification of this sentiment.
If you are going through a rut and want something to inspire you. Then this anime will make you feel like living again.
Dubbed – No
Season – 1(13 Ep.)
04. Link Click
Link Click is a Chinese original ONA series that came out this year and pleasantly surprised the anime community. The story centers around time travel and well-crafted mysteries but the way it’s done is quite clever. There are two main characters, Cheng Xiaoshi and Lu Guang and they both run a time travel photo studio together.
Here they use their supernatural powers to jump into photographs, experience the events that took place while the photograph was taken and help the clients in accordance with their requests. They also have to make sure they don’t mess up the future.
Don’t miss out on this anime just because you aren’t used to the Chinese voices. Guys, it’s well worth it.
Dubbed – No
Season – 1(11 Ep.)
03. Penguindrum
The story follows two twin brothers named Kanba and Shouma and their little sister Himari. They live together but their parents are gone. Furthermore, Himari is also facing some serious health issues.
She barely ever gets out of the hospital until one day when she gets the green light to leave the hospital for a while. The three go to the aquarium to have some family time together. Little did they know that their lives will begin to change after this visit.
The storytelling and the thematic value are extraordinary. It all feels real and surreal to see. A must-watch anime.
Dubbed – Yes
Season – 1(24 Ep.)
02. Puella Magi Madoka Magica
While it may appear cute and flimsy on the surface, Madoka is not to be taken lightly. It is the kind of story that’ll crawl its way into your head. The protagonist named Madoka Kaname and her friend Sayaka Miki are middle school students going about their everyday lives.
However, an encounter with a cat-like magical creature called Kyuubey permanently alters the trajectory of their lives. He offers them a shot at becoming a magical girl. Not only that but they can also get a wish granted by him, but then a girl named Homura Akemi tells them not to take the offer. Saying that it’s not what it seems to be.
Now, what will they do? Will they become magical girls and get their wishes granted or will they continue on with their daily lives? Whether it’s the former or the latter, a heartbreaking story of hope and despair begins.
Dubbed – Yes
Season – 1(12 Ep.)
01. Neon Genesis Evangelion
On top of being a classic, Neon Genesis Evangelion is an exceptional yet somewhat controversial anime. It follows a 14-year-old guy named Shinji who is called to join an organization called NERV. It aims to defend humanity from extinction. A little preface here, this organization was formed after a catastrophic event that took place somewhat 15 years ago.
Now, celestial beings are invading earth typically Tokyo and they need to be dealt with soon. NERV was formed by Shinji’s father and it’s the only hope left for humanity’s survival. If you are unaware of the hype surrounding Neon Genesis Evangelion, you must wonder if this is another average mecha anime.
Well, nope and forget the premise. The weird character development and unorthodox storytelling make it stand out even to this day. I won’t say much, but this anime deserves the hype it gets.
Dubbed – Yes
Season – 1(26 Ep.)
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