29+ Best American Anime You Need to Watch!

Updated November 2, 2022 by Ernie

There is no doubt that anime is widely-consumed all over the world!  Its like theres no country absent of anime! All over the world theres a weeb all cooped up in their room binging an anime series! Oh wait, that sounds so much like me!   

Its popularity makes it no shock when American-Animated shows take influence to the beloved anime style! From the face shape, big eyes, and even scenes that reference other anime series!  These shows really pay homage to their inspiration! So now, lets see the best  American-animated shows! 

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AMERICAN ANIME YOU MIGHT MISTAKE AS JAPANESE ANIME

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30. Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi 

INFORMATION
Title	Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi
Genre	Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy
Type	TV
Episode	39
Studio	Cartoon Network
Premiered	2004
Duration	22 mins. per ep.

Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi is an American animated series of the early 2000s. Personally, it is one of my childhood faves! 

It stars fictionalized versions of the Japanese duo, Puffy AmiYumi, just with exaggerated personalities.  

It shows the adventures of the duo Yumi Yoshimura and Ami Onuki as they travel around the world and rock on! I know what you are thinking, they arent much anime-esque, but they are the pure peak of kawaii! Especially when they are performing! 

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29. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Fast Forward 

INFORMATION
Title	Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Fast Forward
Genre	Action, Kids & Action, Fantasy
Type	TV
Episode	155
Studio	Nickelodeon
Premiered	2006
Duration	21-23 mins. per ep.

The sixth season of 2003, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series brings our beloved Turtles, Donnatello, Michelangelo, Raphael, and Leonardo 100 years into the future! However, the future is still not safe, threats like  ShOkanabo and Darius Dunn are still crawling New York. So while they havent found a way to go back to their original time, they are criminals kicking butts! Cowabunga! 

I know I skipped five seasons for this one, but what makes this season into the list is that by this season, the series changed its art style, giving a new look to the Turtles and other characters. 

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28. Star vs The Forces of Evil 

INFORMATION
Title	Star vs the Forces of Evil
Genre	Action,Comedy, Magical Girl, Fantasy
Type	TV
Episode	77
Studio	Disney
Premiered	2015
Duration	22 mins. per ep.

Star Butterfly is the princess of the Butterfly monarchy of the Kingdom of Mewni. As a tradition, when the princess turns fourteen, Star receives the Family Royal Magic Wand. To train her magic (and to lessen the destruction in their Kingdom), she is sent to Earth as a transfer student. She resides in Marco Diazs household. 

Surely, the Royal Magic Wand attracts… the Forces of Evil. Star and Marco must fight those who attempt to steal the wand and threaten the Kingdom of Mewni. 

Star vs the Forces of Evil is one of Disneys popular cartoon series, it takes inspiration from various magical girl anime but more specifically, Sailor Moon. It might not have the usual anime-style as those in this list, but the flashiness and glamor of the magical girl genre are well captured in the series. Even if it looks cutesy, it is a metaphor for racism, discrimination, and lies. 

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27. Blood Of Zeus 

Information
Title	Blood of Zeus
Genre	Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Type	Netflix Original
Episode	8
Studio	Mua Film; Hanho Heung-Up
Premiered	2020
Duration	25-37 mins. per ep.

Greek mythology, even if it is no longer practiced, left a huge influence on contemporary literature and other media. Of course, it left no crumbs in the animation department and now we have Blood of Zeus! 

Blood of Zeus centers on the demigod, Heron, child of Zeus… because… Zeus. After Heron discovers his heritage and purpose, he sets on the journey to save the Earth and Olympus. E must face demons, giants, and other mythological creatures thrown at him and whatever threat the Goddess of Marriage, Hera comes up with. 

Even if it is an original story, it is well-researched based on the depiction of Greek culture at the time, and its mythos. 

There seems to be peace in the end, but the story of the Gods and Heron is not over yet as the series is greenlit to have a season 2. 

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26. Jackie Chan Adventures 

INFORMATION
Title	Jackie Chan Adventures
Genre	Action,Comedy, Superhero Fantasy
Type	TV
Episode	95
Studio	The JC Group, Blue Train Entertainment Adelaide Productions. Sony Pictures Television
Premiered	2000
Duration	23 mins. per ep.

Did you know that Jackie Chan had an animated series? Yes! 

Jackie Chan Adventures follows the tale of the archeologist and special agent, Jackie Chan, at least a fictionalized version of him. He encounters and combats supernatural beings from the Asian mythos. 

With the help of his Uncle, Jade, Tohru, and Captain Augustus Black, they keep the balance between humanity and spirits, as well as keep powerful ancient artifacts from the hands of evil!

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25. Star Wars: Clone Wars (2003) 

INFORMATION
Title	Star Wars: Clone Wars
Genre	Military, sci-fi, action, adventure
Type	TV
Episode	25
Studio	Lucasfilm, Cartoon Network Studios
Premiered	2000
Duration	3-5  mins. per ep. (Season 1-2) 12-15 mins. Per ep. (Season 3)

Star Wars is popular for its trilogies and Dinsey+ series. But once upon a time, it had an animated series, Star Wars: Clone Wars.

It is set between Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith. It tackles the Clone Wars that occurred in the Star Wars Universe. More and more systems get dragged into the war, and Obi-Wan Kenobi and other Jedis participate to maintain the order. 

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24. Voltron: Legendary Defenders (2016) 

INFORMATION
Title	Voltron: Legendary Defenders
Genre	Action, adventure , Science Fantasy, Mecha
Type	Netflix Original
Episode	25
Studio	Studio Mir
Premiered	2016
Duration	23 mins. Per ep.

It is the reboot of the original Japanese anime Voltron, with a whole new art style, better quality, and new Western twists! It is one of Dreamworks animation offerings on Netflix! It stands on its own by giving the original cast a makeover and rewrites. 

Despite that, the pilot of the titular Voltron, now called the Voltron Paladins,  participates in an intergalactic war. Despite the clashing and different personalities, they must work together to defeat the Galra Empire. 

The show is praised for how it is able to bring back a forgotten series and for the chemistry of its diverse cast. Not only that, but it is the show that depicted the first gay male wedding in Western animation history! Love wins! 

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23. Infinity Train 

INFORMATION
Title	Infinity Train
Genre	Drama, Romance, Sci-Fi
Type	TV
Episode	40
Studio	Cartoon Network Studios
Premiered	2000
Duration	11  mins. per ep.

It is one of Cartoon Networks beloved anthology animated series! It is praised for its complex themes and character writing, as well as for its unique visuals! This is why you should never underestimate cartoons! 

As an anthology, it features different stories and different characters. These characters end up in a train with endless cars with each car as if set in a whole new universe. 

In order to move from one car to another one step closer to home, they must face their personal issues from psychological trauma to emotional problems. 

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22. Black Dynamite

INFORMATION
Title	Black Dynamite
Genre	Blaxploitation, action, comedy, crime
Type	TV
Episode	20
Studio	Ars Nova Entertainment, Williams Street Titmouse (season 1), Cartoon Network Studios (season 2), N-BOMB SQUAD (season 2)
Premiered	2012
Duration	22  mins. per ep.

Probably an entry with the highest maturity rating, Black Dynamite is based on the 2009 film of the same name. 

It follows the titular Black Dynamite along with  Bullhorn, Cream Corn, and Honey Bee as they go on over-the-top misadventures! Its scenes are parodies and tributes to blaxploitation films. It constantly calls back to the film it was based on and even has its villain, President Richard Nixon, return.

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21. Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeast 

INFORMATION
Title	Kip and the Age of Wonderbeast
Genre	Action, Adventure, Science Fantasy, Post-apocalyptic
Type	Netflix Original
Episode	30
Studio	Studio Mir
Premiered	2020
Duration	23-24  mins. per ep.

Another animation offering of Dreamworks, Kipo, the titular character was swept away from her underground shelter after an attack, separating her from her father. She arrives on a dystopian Earth ruled by anthropomorphic animals and huge creatures, the Wonderbeasts! During her attempt to survive, she meets more humans, Wolf and Benson, and they are accompanied by a mutant bug, Dave.

At first, they go on a journey of finding Kipos father, but soon they get entangled in something deeper, involving Kipos origins and the rise of the Wonderbeasts. 

Kipo is praised for its interesting plot and themes. It depicts race division and other social issues that despite it being fictional, it hits home! 

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20. Thundercats (2011) 

INFORMATION
Title	Thundercats
Genre	Action, Adventure, Science Fantasy
Type	TV
Episode	26
Studio	Studio 4°C
Premiered	2011
Duration	21-22  mins. per ep.

A reboot of the 1985 series, it almost follows the original plot of its predecessor but gives it a more cinematic and darker approach. There is also a change in style and character design, giving Lion-O and his team a sleeker and cooler look! 

After the destruction of the Kingdom of Thundera, the ThunderCats are forced to survive and roam on Third Earth and find a way to defeat the evil Mumm-ra! 

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19. Onyx Equinox 

INFORMATION
Title	Onyx Equinox
Genre	Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Type	Crunchyroll Original
Episode	12
Studio	Crunchyroll, LLC
Premiered	2020
Duration	23-25 mins. per ep.

A Mexican-American animated series that features Aztec, Maya, and Zapotec myths! 

When the God of the Underworld, Mictlantecuhtli stole blood sacrifices from other gods, thus Quetzalcoatl decides to close the gates of the Underworld but is unable to do so because it is made of Obsidian. 

So, in order to close it, they chose a champion by the name of Izel, who is tasked to close the Gates of the Underworld! He must travel across Mesoamerica and prove humanitys worth!

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18. Young Justice 

INFORMATION
Title	Young Justice
Genre	Superhero, Action, Adventure, Science Fantasy
Type	TV
Episode	98
Studio	Warner Bros. Animation, DC Entertainment
Premiered	2010
Duration	23-25 mins. per ep.

Just one of the superhero animated series in this list, but unlike the succeeding entries, this one is not based on a comic of the same name! Rather, it is an original story set in the DC Animated Universe! 

The Young Justice is a group of teenage sidekicks that want to prove and establish themselves while dealing with their own problems as an adolescent. 

It faced a lot of cancellations, but fortunately, due to it being picked up by multiple companies, fans got to see the whole story come to its fruition. 

17. Generator Rex 

INFORMATION
Title	Generator Rex
Genre	Superhero, Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
Type	TV
Episode	60
Studio	Cartoon Network Studios
Premiered	2010
Duration	22 mins. per ep.

One of Cartoon Networks sci-fi animated series. If I have to say, this show was overshadowed by bigger titles like Ben 10: Ultimate Alien and Adventure Time. 

It is set in a world where nanites have infected almost every living thing on Earth, creating Exponentially ariated Organisms (E.V.O.) Some of these creatures become sentient and have full control of their nanite abilities, some become berserk creatures. 

Enter Rex, a 16-year-old E.VO. teenager who doesnt remember his past. What sets him apart from other E.V.O.s is that he has no physical manifestation of the nanites mutations and even has full control of it, turning it into biomechanical weapons.

 He also has the ability to use his nanites to deactivate nanites in monstrous E.V.O.s Suddenly, he was thrown to the future and the nanites problem worsened. Rex is the answer to saving humanity.

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16. The Boondocks 

INFORMATION
Title	The Boondocks
Genre	Animated Sitcom, Vlack Sitcom, Satire
Type	TV
Episode	55
Studio	Dong Woo Animation, Studio Mir, Rebel Base Productions, Adelaide Productions
Premiered	20-5
Duration	22 mins. per ep.

Maybe the most controversial entry in this list, The Boondocks follows the dysfunctional black family, the Freemans, as they move into a predominantly white neighborhood. It also explores the cultural clash Riley and Huey Freeman experience after they move in. 

What makes this show controversial is its commentary on American politics from the perspective of a Black person. Albeit such a serious theme, it never fails to deliver laughs and jokes while giving opinions on American social issues. 

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15. Batman Beyond

INFORMATION
Title	Batman Beyond
Genre	Superhero, Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
Type	TV
Episode	52
Studio	Warner Bros. Television Animation
Premiered	1999
Duration	22 mins. per ep.

The final installment in DCs animated series, it is set in the futuristic Gotham. In this era, Terry McGinnis has taken the helm of Batman and is under the guidance and training of an elderly Bruce Wayne. 

One night, Terry McGinnis disobeyed his curfew to meet his girl-friends only to be cornered by the infamous gang, Jokerz. Terry somehow ended up in Wayne Manor, and along with an aged Bruce, beat the gang. He discovers Bruces secret as Batman and ever since then, he got tangled in a mystery bigger than life. 

It somehow takes a more serious and darker tone than other DC animated series as it tackles the dilemma innovation provides, child and substance abuse, peer pressure, and more social issues. The future seems bleak in this one.  

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14. Ben 10: Ultimate Alien 

INFORMATION
Title	Ben 10: Ultimate Alien
Genre	Superhero, Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
Type	TV
Episode	52
Studio	Cartoon Network Studios
Premiered	2010
Duration	22 mins. per ep.

The third entry to the original Ben 10 series, Ben, Gwen, and Kevin face off against more alien threats. But this time, they are no longer after the Omnitrix, but for stronger powers hidden within the universe. The Earth is not the only planet at stake, but for the whole galaxy, as well! 

Ultimate Alien is praised for further expanding the world of Ben 10 and for its character design and its fight scenes.  

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13. X-Men: Evolution 

INFORMATION
Title	X-Men: Evolution
Genre	Superhero, Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
Type	TV
Episode	52
Studio	Film Roman, Marvel Studios
Premiered	2000
Duration	22 mins. per ep.

X-Men: Evolution is one of the animated series based on Marvels comic series.

It depicts its characters as teenagers instead of adults, unlike in the original X-Men series. In here, the mutants in the X-Mansion, Wolverine, Jean Grey, Cyclops, Shadowcat, and many more must blend into human society while thwarting the plans of the Brotherhood on making mutants the dominant race, and other organizations that plan to extinguish mutants. 

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12. RWBY: Ice Queendom  

INFORMATION
Title	RWBY: Ice Queendom
Genre	Action, Adventure, Science Fantasy
Type	TV
Episode	12
Studio	Shaft
Premiered	2022
Duration	24 mins. per ep.

I really thought this show was pronounced, R.W.B.Y., but it is pronounced as Ruby! 

Produced by Rooster Teeth, it is one of the popular anime-influenced American shows! It first started as a computer-animated web series but now it is remade into a full-fledged 2D series! So if you havent watched it before, nows a good time to rewatch it! 

RWBY centers on Team RWBY, Ruby Rose, Weiss Schnee, Blake Belladonna, and Yang Xiao Long of Beacon Academy. Together, they fight Dust thieves and pro-Fauners terrorist groups! But, like the teenage students that they are, we see a glimpse of their school life, especially the iconic food fight scene! 

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11. Ultimate Spiderman 

INFORMATION
Title	Ultimate Spiderman
Genre	Superhero, Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
Type	TV
Episode	104
Studio	Film Roman, Marvel Studios
Premiered	2012
Duration	22 mins. per ep.

We know the friendly neighbor, Spiderman! All Marvel fans know him! But before he flung to the silver screen, he first graced the TV screens with this animated series, Ultimate Spiderman! 

One of Disneys animated series, it is an adaptation of Spidermans comic series. It explores the life of Peter Parker as he becomes Spiderman. With his newfound powers, he fights criminals and villains that attack New York, and in his free time, he is a nerdy high school student acing his classes! 

True to its source material, it features Spidermans rogues gallery from the memorable Green Goblin to the treacherous Sinister 6. 

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10. Avatar: Legend of Korra 

INFORMATION
Title	Avatar: The Legend of Korra
Genre	Action, Adventure, Science Fantasy, Steampunk
Type	TV
Episode	52
Studio	Nickelodeon Animation Studio, Studio Mir, Pierrot
Premiered	2012
Duration	23 mins. per ep.

People need to cut Legend of Korra some slack! It is getting hated because it is a sequel of a great series- but to be honest, its themes and narratives of modernity and tradition, may not be equal to the philosophy brought by its predecessor, but it is worthy of acknowledging. 

Legend of Korra is set 70 years after Legend of Aang. The world is a better place all because of the efforts of Avatar Aang. Despite that, it seems there are people who dont want this peace. Now, Korra, the new Avatar, must face and resolve issues regarding benders and non-benders, the qualms of the Spirit Realm, and those who want to end the Avatar cycle. 

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9. Invincible 

INFORMATION
Title	Invincible
Genre	Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Superhero
Type	Amazon Exclusive
Episode	8
Studio	Skybound Entertainment, Skybound North, Amazon Studios, Point Grey Pictures
Premiered	2021
Duration	42-49 mins. per ep.

One of the recent animated series in this list, it is the adaptation of the comic series of the same name. 

It focuses on Mark Graysons exploration of his identity as the powers he inherited from his father, Omni-Man start to emerge. He becomes a superhero and fights the evils that threaten the safety of Earth. He balances his life as a student and as a hero. Soon, he needs to deal with his alien origins and their role for its empire. 

It challenges the usual child-friendly and young adult-oriented superhero genre by explicitly showing death, gore, and blood! Despite this, it really gives a more realistic illustration of what superhuman threats can really do! 

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8. She-Ra and the Princesses of Power 

INFORMATION
Title	She-Ra: Princesses of Power
Genre	Action, Adventure, Science Fantasy
Type	Netflix Original
Episode	52
Studio	Dreamworks Animation, Mattel Creations
Premiered	2018
Duration	24 mins. per ep.

Another remake and animation offering by Dreamworks, it is critically acclaimed, with its diverse cast and awesome storytelling! It even got nominated and won awards!  

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7. Steven Universe 

INFORMATION
Title	Steven Universe
Genre	Action, Adventure, Science Fantasy
Type	TV
Episode	160
Studio	Cartoon Network Studios
Premiered	2013
Duration	11 mins. per ep.

Steven Universe is a series beloved for its unique premise and representation! It is applauded by fans and critics for its depiction of war, trauma, grief, and love. As said by the creator, Rebecca Sugar, it aims to show that violence is not always the answer, and there is always a way to fix things in a diplomatic manner!

Steven Universe is set in Beach City. Steven, the titular character, is a Gem-Human hybrid, because of his alien nature, he is raised by the remaining Crystal Gem members, Pearl, Garnet, and Amethyst. Together they protect the world from other Gems! 

The show explores the effect of the Gem War, an event set thousands of years before the shows present time. From the corruption of its Gem participant to the grief of Pearl, Garnet, Amethyst, and Stevens dad Greg, from the loss of their friends and Rose Quartz. 

It is fondly remembered for its themes of peace and unconditional love, and especially for its queer representation! It is recognized for its unapologetic depiction of same-sex relationships, notably Ruby and Sapphire, marriage in animation history! 

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6. Castlevania

INFORMATION
Title	Castlevania
Genre	Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Horror
Type	Netflix Original
Episode	32
Studio	Powerhouse Animation, Mua Film, TIger Animations
Premiered	2017
Duration	22-31 mins. per ep.

Based on one of Konamis famous games, Castlevania, and one of Netflixs original anime series. It is only fitting to adapt it to a Japanese anime-style animation! 

After Count Vlad Draculas beloved wife was wrongly accused of witchcraft, he sent out an army of demons as vengeance. To combat this, monster hunter Trevor Belmont decides to fight against Draculas forces, he is joined by magician Sypha Belnades and Draculas dhampir son Alucard. 

It is unapologetically gruesome and gory while being action-packed! It never disappoints the fans of the series and of the horror and vampire genre! 

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Related: 33+ ANIME Like Castlevania That You Must Watch! (Recommendations)

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5. DOTA: Dragon’s Blood  

INFORMATION
Title	DOTA: Dragons Blood
Genre	Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Type	Netflix Original
Episode	24
Studio	Studio Mir
Premiered	2021
Duration	26-28 mins. per ep.

Speaking of animated series based on a popular game, DOTA: Dragons Blood is based on the MMORPG game, DOTA 2! 

Davion is a Dragon Knight, he slays dragons to make the world a safer place. During a battle, the injured dragon, Slyark emerges and fuses his soul with Davion as a last-ditch effort of survival. Kind of ironic if you ask me. He is then found by the exiled princess, Mirana.

Together, they go on a journey to thwart Terrorblades plans of remaking the world to his vision! And in a twist, Davion the Dragon Knight must prevent his enemy from claiming the powers of the dragons. 

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4. Teen Titans

INFORMATION
Title	Teen TItans
Genre	Superhero, Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
Type	TV
Episode	65
Studio	Warner Bros. Animation, DC Comics
Premiered	2003
Duration	22 mins. per ep.

One of the most iconic cartoons of the early 2000s, it is the adaptation of the DC Comics series of the same name. It stars Batmans sidekick, Robin, the Tamaranian, Starfire, the Daughter of Trigon, Raven, a metamorph, Beastboy, and a cyborg… Cyborg… 

Together they fight villains and otherworldly threats that try to ruin the peace. It also has times when it tackles real-life issues, like isolation, trauma, and racism.

Its action-packed sequence and goofy moments make the anime-art style quite fitting to the tone the show wants to give. It can be heavy at times, but it sure will lift you up! 

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3. Ben 10 

INFORMATION
Title	Ben 10
Genre	Superhero, Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
Type	TV
Episode	52
Studio	Cartoon Network Studios
Premiered	2005
Duration	22 mins. per ep.

It started when an alien device did what it did, it stuck itself upon his wrist with secrets that it hid Now hes got superpowers. Hes no ordinary kid, Hes Ben 10!

Not only does the shows intro explain everything Ben 10 is, but it is such a catchy song! To further iterate, a summer vacation shifted when an alien device the Omnitrix crashed on Earth and was discovered by Ben Tennyson. With the device, he can transform into certain aliens, now he has to fight those who seek the Omnitrix and other threats, may it be the supernatural or mechanically enhanced criminals, Ben, his grandpa Max and Gwen are up for it! 

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2. Arcane 

INFORMATION
Title	Arcane
Genre	Action, Adventure, Science Fantasy, Steampunk
Type	Netflix Original
Episode	9
Studio	Fortiche, Riot Games
Premiered	2012
Duration	39-44 mins. per ep.

As much as I love Arcane and League of Legends, I cannot give the top one spot… for personal reasons. 

This show took the internet by storm with its storyline and art style! The world was flooded with its fanarts and tutorials of its art style. It features League of Legends characters like Jinx and Vi and is set in the Piltover and Zaun , but is a different canon from the game. 

There is an unrest between the rich and the poor classes 

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1.  Avatar: Legend of Aang 

INFORMATION
Title	Avatar: The Legend of Aang
Genre	Action, Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Coming of Age
Type	TV
Episode	61
Studio	Nickelodeon Animation Studio
Premiered	2005
Duration	23 mins. per ep.

Avatar: Legend of Aang centers on the journey of Aang as he masters all the four elements, fire, water, earth, and air, and at the same time, he needs to find a way to end the reign of Fire Lord Ozai. But he wont be alone, together with Sokka, Katara, Toph, Appa, Momo, and other allies they will meet, they will make the world a better place.  

When a person asks for a cartoon series recommendation, this show is most likely to be recommended! It delivers unforgettable character designs and narratives. It is able to make the viewers ponder about philosophy and the tragedies of war and colonization while enjoying the world-building of Avatar. 

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Conclusion

Its no doubt that anime has influenced media all over the world, not just referenced or mentioned, but created a whole new genre for the entertainment industry! And even if theres CGI or whatnot with changing times, I am pretty sure, this style is not going anywhere! 

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