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Why IMDb Ratings Matter in Anime Fandom
The anime world is vast, colorful, and overflowing with genres, styles, and stories. From heartfelt romance to dystopian thrillers, anime offers something for every kind of viewer. But with so many shows to choose from, how do you separate the good from the truly phenomenal?
IMDb ratings provide a helpful clue.
IMDb (Internet Movie Database) is one of the most trusted platforms for viewer ratings worldwide. When an anime consistently scores 9.0 or higher, it’s more than just good—it’s iconic. These are shows that not only capture the attention of hardcore otakus but also earn the admiration of mainstream audiences globally.
What gives these series their edge? It’s a combination of intelligent storytelling, emotional resonance, groundbreaking animation, and memorable characters. These are the shows that start trends, spark debates, and leave you thinking long after the final episode.
1. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood – 9.1 IMDb Rating
Studio: Bones
Episodes: 64
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Why It’s Iconic:
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is often hailed as the greatest anime of all time—and for good reason. It follows the story of two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, who commit the forbidden act of human transmutation in an attempt to bring their mother back to life. Their journey to recover what they lost leads them into political conspiracies, spiritual truths, and emotional heartbreaks.
Key Strengths:
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An intricate but well-paced plot that respects viewer intelligence.
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Complex character arcs with real growth.
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A perfect mix of action, humor, and philosophical depth.
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Every episode builds toward a satisfying and emotionally powerful finale.
IMDb fans consistently rate it above 9.0 for its near-perfect execution, unforgettable soundtrack, and balance between emotional gravity and storytelling brilliance. This is a show that touches the soul while dazzling the senses.
2. Attack on Titan – 9.1 IMDb Rating (Final Season Part 3 Rated 9.2)
Studio: WIT Studio (S1–3), MAPPA (Final Seasons)
Episodes: 87+
Genre: Action, Drama, Supernatural
Why It’s a Masterpiece:
Attack on Titan (Shingeki no Kyojin) is an anime that starts with humans fighting for survival against monstrous Titans, but evolves into a deep political and philosophical saga. Eren Yeager’s evolution from innocent boy to revolutionary anti-hero is one of anime’s most discussed arcs.
What Makes It Highly Rated:
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Story complexity grows with each season.
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Shocking twists that redefine the plot and characters.
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Cinematic animation, especially in fight scenes.
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Themes of freedom, morality, and identity explored brilliantly.
Its Final Season consistently breaks IMDb records, with many episodes rated above 9.5 individually. This anime isn’t just about Titans—it’s about what it means to be human in a world built on lies and war.
3. Steins;Gate – 9.1 IMDb Rating
Studio: White Fox
Episodes: 24
Genre: Sci-Fi, Psychological Thriller
Why It’s So Highly Rated:
Steins;Gate takes a niche sci-fi concept—time travel—and turns it into one of the most emotionally resonant anime ever made. It follows Rintarou Okabe, a self-proclaimed mad scientist, who accidentally invents a way to send messages to the past. But with great power comes devastating consequences.
Highlights:
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Smart, well-researched time travel mechanics.
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A slow-burn first half that crescendos into heart-pounding intensity.
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Deep character relationships, especially between Okabe and Kurisu.
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Strong emotional payoffs that stay with you.
IMDb users love it for its unpredictable twists, intelligent storytelling, and raw emotional weight. It’s a slow cooker that pays off immensely for those who stick with it.
4. Hunter x Hunter (2011) – 9.0 IMDb Rating
Studio: Madhouse
Episodes: 148
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
What Makes It Stand Out:
Hunter x Hunter (2011) redefines the shonen genre with its intelligent character development, unpredictable narrative arcs, and moral complexity. It follows Gon Freecss, a cheerful boy who aims to find his absent father by becoming a Hunter—a licensed professional for tracking monsters, treasures, and secrets.
Reasons for Its 9.0+ Rating:
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Subverts typical anime tropes.
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Each arc is vastly different but equally gripping (e.g., Chimera Ant Arc).
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Gon and Killua’s friendship is one of the most genuine in anime.
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Psychological depth, especially in later arcs, elevates it beyond typical action anime.
Fans and critics alike praise Hunter x Hunter for building an emotionally intelligent and narratively daring world. It’s a journey of adventure that matures with every episode.
5. Death Note – 9.0 IMDb Rating
Studio: Madhouse
Episodes: 37
Genre: Thriller, Supernatural, Crime
Why It’s a Cult Classic:
If you love psychological thrillers, Death Note is your anime. It tells the story of Light Yagami, a genius student who gains a notebook that allows him to kill anyone by writing their name. What ensues is a high-stakes chess match between Light and the mysterious detective, L.
Why IMDb Rates It So High:
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Masterful tension in every episode.
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Iconic protagonist-antagonist rivalry.
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Explores themes of justice, power, and identity.
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Brilliant voice acting and gripping direction.
Even after nearly two decades, Death Note remains one of the most watched and recommended anime worldwide. It set the template for intelligent storytelling in anime and continues to win over new fans every year.
Conclusion: Trust the Ratings, Enjoy the Ride
The anime listed above aren’t just popular—they’re legends of the medium, earning consistent IMDb scores of 9.0 or higher across years, platforms, and audiences. From the moral complexities of Death Note to the philosophical warzones of Attack on Titan, each of these shows represents a unique genre-defining experience.
These aren’t series you simply watch. They’re experiences that linger in your mind, shape your taste, and change how you see storytelling. Whether it’s your first time exploring Japanese anime or your 100th binge session, these shows are guaranteed to impress.
And the best part? These anime prove that animation is not just for kids—it’s a powerful medium that can deliver some of the most emotionally complex and intellectually rewarding stories of our time.
So, if you’re searching for anime that truly live up to the hype, let IMDb ratings be your guide—and let these five masterpieces be your next obsession.