30 Classic Anime That Are Complete and You Need to Watch

If you want complete stories filled with emotion and unforgettable characters, the list below gathers classic anime that have already reached their conclusions and delivered memorable endings.

These are works that have captivated generations and remain timeless references, each with its own unique atmosphere. Get ready to discover titles that offer deep reflections and lasting memories!

Angel Beats!

A mix of drama, comedy, and fantasy set in a unique backdrop: the afterlife. Angel Beats! follows young people as they deal with regrets and unresolved secrets from their past lives.

Balancing emotional moments with thrilling battles, the anime explores themes of friendship, loss, and redemption. Short but unforgettable, it’s capable of moving even the most skeptical viewers.

Another

Mystery, tension, and psychological horror define Another. The story follows a cursed classroom where inexplicable deaths begin after the arrival of a transfer student. The chilling atmosphere and mounting suspense create a gripping and unsettling narrative.

For those who enjoy stories that surprise right up to the very last episode, this is a must-watch.

Attack on Titan

One of the most influential series of recent years, Attack on Titan won the world over with its dense storytelling and relentless twists. Humanity’s struggle against the Titans evolves into a narrative that blends politics, philosophy, and epic action.

Now complete, the anime delivers a grand tale that powerfully explores freedom, war, and survival.

Bakuman

From the creators of Death Note comes a story about the other side of the industry: manga creation. It follows two young men chasing their dream of becoming professional manga artists while facing both personal and professional challenges.

Bakuman is inspiring, realistic, and surprisingly fun, serving as a heartfelt love letter to the art of Japanese comics.

Barakamon

One of the most charming and heartwarming anime on the list. Barakamon tells the story of a calligrapher who moves to a remote island in search of inspiration. There, he meets eccentric villagers and learns lessons about simplicity, community, and self-discovery.

Gentle and deeply human, this anime is perfect for those seeking reflection and peace.

Black Lagoon

Packed with adrenaline and action, Black Lagoon dives into the underworld of organized crime in Southeast Asia. We follow the Lagoon Company, a group of mercenaries who take on dangerous missions and face intense moral dilemmas. Gritty and violent, yet filled with charismatic characters, the series has become a staple of mature action anime.

Erased (Boku Dake ga Inai Machi)

Suspense and emotion collide in Erased. The story follows Satoru, who gains the ability to travel back in time to prevent tragedies from his childhood, including the murder of a classmate.

Blending investigation, drama, and touching themes of courage and empathy, Erased is short but incredibly gripping and satisfying.

Cowboy Bebop

A cornerstone of anime history, Cowboy Bebop blends sci-fi, space western, and jazz into a stylish and profound narrative. It follows the crew of the Bebop as they hunt bounties across the galaxy, all while grappling with existential dilemmas.

With its unforgettable ending, this is a timeless work that remains relevant and beloved across generations.

Cyberpunk: Edgerunners

Set in the world of Cyberpunk 2077, this anime quickly became a fan favorite with its tragic and visceral storytelling. It follows David as he spirals through difficult choices in a city consumed by violence and technology.

Short and intense, Edgerunners proves that heartbreaking endings can also be profoundly beautiful.

Death Note

One of the biggest phenomena in anime, Death Note tells the intellectual duel between Light Yagami and L, two brilliant minds on opposite sides of justice. The deadly notebook sparks a story filled with tension, ethical dilemmas, and shocking twists. Years after its debut, it remains the gold standard for psychological thrillers.

Death Parade

An original anime that explores the afterlife in a strikingly unique way. In Death Parade, souls undergo bizarre judgment through games that reveal their true nature. With its elegant and reflective atmosphere, the series questions what defines a just life and where morality truly lies.

Short but extremely powerful.

Elfen Lied

Known for its graphic violence and raw drama, Elfen Lied is a controversial classic. The story tackles prejudice, vengeance, and humanity through the tragic tale of Lucy, a young woman with deadly powers. Equal parts shocking and emotional, this anime leaves a lasting impression on anyone who watches it.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

Widely regarded as one of the greatest anime ever made, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood delivers an epic journey of the Elric brothers, who pay a terrible price after defying the laws of alchemy.

Blending action, drama, humor, and philosophy into a cohesive and emotional story, this masterpiece is complete from start to finish.

Great Teacher Onizuka

This 90s classic follows Eikichi Onizuka, a former delinquent who decides to become a teacher. With his unconventional methods, he wins over rebellious students while facing the challenges of teaching at a troubled school.

Beyond comedy and outrageous situations, the anime delivers touching lessons about growth, friendship, and believing in others.

High Score Girl

Set in the 90s, this anime mixes romance with gaming nostalgia. Haruo, a boy obsessed with arcade games, meets Akira, a talented rival in fighting games. Their bond grows through challenges in both the virtual and real world.

The series captivates with its nostalgic setting and the tenderness with which it portrays adolescent emotions.

Hunter x Hunter

Considered one of the greatest adventures ever created, the story follows Gon Freecss on his journey to become a Hunter and find his father. Alongside Killua, Kurapika, and Leorio, he experiences strategic and emotional battles that challenge both mind and heart.

Even after the anime’s conclusion, Hunter x Hunter remains a benchmark for masterful storytelling.

Inuyasha

Kagome, a modern-day high school girl, is transported back in time where she meets Inuyasha, a half-demon. Together, they embark on a quest to recover the shards of the Shikon Jewel. Blending fantasy, romance, and action, the anime became one of the most beloved of its era.

Beyond the epic battles, the relationship between Kagome and Inuyasha gave the series a lasting emotional depth.

Kakegurui

At an elite academy where gambling dictates social status, the arrival of Yumeko Jabami completely disrupts the balance. With her boldness, she dives into increasingly dangerous games where not only money, but also sanity, is at stake. The anime stands out for its striking visuals, intense characters, and sharp critiques of power and ambition.

Megalobox

Inspired by Ashita no Joe, this anime tells the story of Junk Dog, an underground fighter who decides to challenge the best in an official tournament.

With retro aesthetics and a memorable soundtrack, Megalobox won audiences over by combining thrilling matches with reflections on identity and perseverance.

Mob Psycho 100

Shigeo Kageyama, nicknamed Mob, is an ordinary-looking boy who hides overwhelming psychic powers. While trying to live a normal life, he faces struggles of identity, growth, and responsibility.

From the creator of One Punch Man, the anime blends explosive action with moments of surprising sensitivity.

Monster

One of the most intense psychological thrillers in anime. Dr. Kenzo Tenma saves the life of a boy who, years later, turns out to be a remorseless killer. Consumed by guilt, Tenma sets out on a morally harrowing pursuit. Monster is a classic that delves deep into the boundaries of good and evil.

Naruto Shippuden

The saga of Naruto Uzumaki reaches its peak in Shippuden, bringing epic battles, shocking revelations, and the protagonist’s growth on his path to becoming Hokage. Beyond the explosive action, the series moves audiences with stories of friendship, sacrifice, and perseverance. One of the most iconic anime of all time, it left a profound mark on an entire generation.

Neon Genesis Evangelion

A pop culture landmark, Evangelion revolutionized anime with its complex storytelling and striking visuals. Shinji Ikari is recruited to pilot a giant robot and defend humanity against mysterious beings known as Angels. What begins as a mecha story transforms into a profound exploration of loneliness, identity, and purpose.

No Game No Life

Sora and Shiro, sibling prodigies in gaming, are transported to a world where everything is decided through challenges. Using intelligence and boldness, they face powerful opponents in their quest to conquer each nation. Though short, the anime is remembered for its vibrant style and the protagonists’ brilliant strategies.

Psycho-Pass

In a dystopian future, the Sibyl System determines who can live freely and who must be punished even before committing crimes. Akane Tsunemori, a rookie inspector, questions the flaws in this system as she faces violent cases and moral dilemmas. Psycho-Pass is a powerful reflection on justice, freedom, and social control.

Samurai Champloo

Blending feudal Japan with a hip-hop soundtrack, this anime follows Mugen, Jin, and Fuu on a journey to find the “samurai who smells of sunflowers.” The series balances stylish action, humor, and introspective moments. An original and artistic work, it left its mark on anime with its unique identity.

Rurouni Kenshin (Samurai X)

Kenshin Himura is a former assassin who has vowed never to kill again. Traveling across Japan, he seeks redemption by helping the innocent while facing foes from his past. With emotional battles and profound themes of forgiveness and justice, Rurouni Kenshin is one of the greatest classics of the samurai genre.

Steins;Gate

A group of friends discovers a way to send messages to the past, triggering unforeseen consequences. The anime brilliantly combines science fiction, drama, and suspense. Throughout the story, Rintarou Okabe and his companions face painful choices that question the limits of science and destiny itself.

Tengen Toppa Gurren-Lagann

Overflowing with energy, this anime follows Simon and Kamina in their epic fight against forces that oppress humanity. Full of explosive action, unforgettable quotes, and uplifting moments, Gurren-Lagann is a visual and emotional spectacle that inspires courage and determination.

Yu Yu Hakusho

Yusuke Urameshi, a teenage delinquent, gets a second chance at life when he becomes a Spirit Detective after dying unexpectedly. The story evolves from supernatural missions to legendary tournaments and thrilling battles. Considered an absolute classic, Yu Yu Hakusho blends action, charm, and unforgettable characters.

The anime in this list have earned their place over the years, delivering complete stories and unforgettable endings. Each work offers a unique experience, whether through thrilling battles, psychological depth, or the meaningful messages they leave behind.

If you’re looking for finished series you can binge without waiting for new seasons, this selection is the perfect guide for your next marathon. Until next time!