You who think that all animes are based on mangas, light novels, literary works among others, are mistaken. There are also original animes, which are not based on anything. Their scripts and stories were made exclusively from scratch directly for the anime. Even though they are not the majority, there are great original works that even later become mangas or games.
Making a list of the best original animes depends on taste; I myself, while reviewing the article, would place the last ones mentioned first (Kevin). So don’t think that this list of the best original animes is in any order or ranking. It is worth remembering that most of these works became famous and quickly received mangas. Now see a list of some of these original animes:
Darker than Black (黒の契約者) – 2007
Created by Tensai Okamura and produced by studio Bones.
Synopsis: One day an impenetrable region known as Hell’s Gate appears in Tokyo. From this, people with special powers begin to emerge. These people are divided into two groups, the Contractors, who are people without feelings and become killing machines. The other group is called Dolls, who have no personality or emotions. Treated as mere puppets, they are used by both the government and other organizations for surveillance.
Ergo Proxy (エルゴプラクシ) – 2006
Produced and created by the animation studio Manglobe.
Synopsis: Everything begins in Romdo, a futuristic city, built after a global environmental apocalypse. Humans and Androids live peacefully, in total harmony. Until a series of murders committed by robots infected with a virus destabilizes the social order of the city. It is then that the main character Re-l Maye springs into action. She is in charge of investigating these brutal murders committed by the infected robots.
Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion – 2006
Code Geass is an original anime series that tells the story of a young man named Lelouch who lives in a future world where much of it has been conquered by an empire known as the Holy Britannian Empire. Lelouch is a British prince exiled in Japan after his mother was killed in a terrorist attack. In Japan, Lelouch befriends a girl named C.C., who gives him the power of Geass, allowing him to control the minds of others. Lelouch uses his power to lead a rebellion against the Britannian Empire, and eventually becomes the emperor himself.
The story of Code Geass is complex and filled with political intrigue, action, and romance. It is an excellent example of an anime series that manages to mix these elements in a fun and stimulating way. If you are looking for an anime series with psychological thriller, suspense, and intelligence, Code Geass is a must-watch.
Koutetsujou no Kabaneri (甲鉄城のカバネリ) – 2016
The anime was written by Ichirō Ōkouchi, directed by Tetsurō Araki, and produced by Wit Studio.
Synopsis: Amid the industrial revolution, a mysterious virus appears, rapidly infecting people. The virus transforms people into hostile creatures that cannot be defeated unless their hearts are pierced. And most of the weapons used by soldiers are ineffective against them. On a certain island, people live behind walls and have built railway stations to move around. And it is on this island that a boy named Ikoma appears, who creates his own equipment to defeat the creatures.
Psycho-Pass (サイコパス)- 2012
It is an anime produced by Production I.G.
Synopsis: The story unfolds in a future where people are judged as innocent or dangerous instantly. This judgment is made by a system called Sybil, which analyzes people’s mental state, determining whether they are criminals or not. If someone is judged as a threat, their sentence can be imprisonment or death, even if they have not committed a crime. Furthermore, the system decides what type of job suits you best.
The police rely on the help of a group of special prisoners, known as Executors. They use a weapon that immediately executes the judgment. Thus, they can even kill people deemed no longer necessary or dangerous by the system. But Akane Tsunemori, a newly transferred police officer, believes that people can change and thinks that there are no irredeemable people.
Kill la Kill (キルラキル) – 2013
This anime was produced by studio Trigger, directed by Hiroyuki Imaishi and written by Kazuki Nakashima.
Synopsis: Ryouko Matoi is a student who has just transferred to Honnou school. This school is completely dominated by a strict and frightening student council, led by Satsuki Kiryuin. In this school, there is a hierarchy provided by this council, where a uniform or special outfit given by President Satsuki can grant special powers. But it all depends on the personalities and characteristics of the user.
The transfer student possesses a scissor-shaped sword that can cut such uniforms, challenging everyone. Ryouko has a uniform called Senketsu, which was not given by the council. And all she wants is to find her father’s killer.
Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann – 2007
In a post-apocalyptic future, humanity is forced to live in underground villages, fearing the surface world ruled by the Spiral King. One day, a young boy named Simon discovers a small mecha called Lagann. With the help of his friends, he forms Team Gurren and leads a rebellion against the Spiral King.
Gurren Lagann is known for its over-the-top action, mecha battles, and unique characters. If you are looking for an anime full of excitement and adventure, Gurren Lagann is the perfect choice!
Aldnoah.Zero – 2014
It was produced by A-1 Pictures, TROYCA and directed by Ei Aoki with 2 seasons. It has one of the best soundtracks in anime composed by Hiroyuki Sawano.
Synopsis: In 1972, a hyperlane was discovered on the surface of the moon, and humanity began to use it to colonize Mars. Years later, a war breaks out between colonizers from Earth and Mars.
I don’t know how to explain the synopsis without giving spoilers, just go with faith and watch! Guilty Crown also has the same composer with its epic soundtrack, and has an epic story, just a tip. Both are full of action, romance, drama, and suspense that provide great emotion.
List of original animes
To complement, let’s leave a more complete list without synopsis for you to take a look:
- Code Geass;
- Cowboy Bebop;
- Puella Magi Madoka Magica;
- Samurai Champloo;
- Gurren Lagann;
- Angel Beats;
- Guilty Crown;
- Yuri!!! On Ice;
- K- Project;
- Zankyō no Terror;
- Charlotte;
- Wolf’s Rain;
- Neon Genesis Evangelion;
- Death Parade;
- Eureka Seven;
- Michiko To Hatchin;
Have you watched any of these? Did you know they were original works for the anime? Comment on any not mentioned, what you thought, and share the article.
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