The anime universe is expansive and offers many different tales with compelling characters, engaging plots, and epic moments. While some anime come and go, many deliver outstanding and memorable experiences. Toei Animation is a recognizable studio known for creating many action-packed and iconic series that shaped many fans’ childhoods.
For our ongoing series of articles depicting the best anime, we’d like to highlight the best Toei Animation anime of all time. From epic martial arts storylines to enchanting magical girl tales, Toei Animation holds countless gems under its company.
Of course, if we’ve missed any of your favorites, feel free to comment below and we’ll add them when we can!
Dragon Ball
Dragon Ball is a classic martial arts anime with excellent comedy and adventure aspects. While it leans more into the action side of things in Dragon Ball Z and Super, many adore the original for its grounded and less expansive world. In it, we follow Goku, a boy who traverses Earth in search of the magic Dragon Balls with his friends.
Goku will encounter many foes along the way from the Red Ribbon Army to the fierce King Piccolo. Each battle will help Goku grow as a person and martial artist. The supporting cast is memorable and entertaining to follow. From the wealthy Bulma to the wise yet perverted Master Roshi, you’ll adore the variety of characters present in this story. If you happened to watch Dragon Ball Z first or never experienced the Dragon Ball franchise at all, the original 1986 classic is worth watching.
Sailor Moon
Sailor Moon stood next to Dragon Ball Z as one of the many viewers’ first anime experiences. It shared the spotlight with many shows during Cartoon Network’s Toonami block and gained a wide following for its powerful heroines, fabulous story, and entertaining battles and drama. In it, we follow Usagi. She’s a clumsy student who meets a supernatural feline named Luna.
Luna informs Usagi that she’s destined to become Sailor Moon, a superheroine with the power to protect Earth. Luna gives Usagi a special brooch that helps her transform. With her new powers, Usagi must find the lost princess of the Moon Kingdom, the other sailor guardians, and the Legendary Silver Crystal to prevent the evil Queen Beryl from ruining her world.
From Sailor Moon to Sailor Mars, each sailor guardian has an incredible personality, background, and set of skills. Viewers will adore seeing Usagi interact with the other characters whether they’re evil or heroic. The battles are well-animated for their time and certain fights will make you feel tense and worried for our characters’ safety. If you’re looking for a classic magical girl series that’s funny, action-packed, and adventurous, check out Sailor Moon.
Slam Dunk
Fist of The North Star
If you’re searching for a series where muscular men beat the snot out of each other, Fist of the North Star’s worth trying. This anime spawned a wide following and features everything you’d want from a martial arts-focused series. In it, we follow a skilled martial artist named Kenshiro. He’s on the hunt for his rival Shin because he kidnapped his fiancée Yuria.
Kenshiro is up against many foes during his journey. Many pose a worthy challenge while others are a cakewalk for him. This anime’s post-apocalyptic setting is well-detailed. With its run-down establishments and barren wastelands, everything reflects the harsh training and fights Kenshiro endures throughout the story.
The action is top-notch, with characters displaying different martial arts techniques to get viewers intrigued. Some fights contain wonderful backstories, allowing viewers to grow attached to the combatants taking part in them. This is a must-watch for anyone whose interested in classic martial arts-themed tales.
Galaxy Express 999
Galaxy Express 999 is an incredible animated work from the late Leiji Matsumoto. Its features an atmospheric sci-fi world filled with engaging characters and beautiful visuals. The story revolves around Tetsuro. He’s a boy who wants to purchase a pass for the Galaxy Express 999 train, so he can obtain a mechanical body. Eventually, he bumps into Maetel who gives him a pass to the train.
We watch their journey on this train unfold. This anime’s known for its marvelous outer space vistas and action sequences. The Galaxy Express 999 train takes our characters to multiple locales that are brimming with different civilizations, cultures, and architecture. Maetel and Tetsuro establish a strong connection throughout the series. In addition to having some incredible plot twists that’ll keep you guessing, Galaxy Express 999 is one of Toei Animation’s oldest and greatest gems.
Digimon Adventure (1999)
Pokemon and Digimon were incredible rivals in the 90s. Both had large fanbases, great merchandise, and compelling anime. However, most monster-tamer fans often prefer the Digimon Adventure anime over Pokemon because it delves into darker concepts and places its characters’ in more sinister circumstances.
Digimon Adventure follows Tai and his friends getting transported to the Digital World via odd devices. They befriend a group of Digimon and must prevent unknown evils from wreaking havoc in this universe. The characters have rich personalities, backgrounds, and fabulous interactions that’ll get a chuckle out of you.
While the show spends most of its time having Tai and his friends battling other Digimon, it does take time away from the fights to pursue each human character’s struggles outside of their adventure. Viewers will appreciate this aspect of the show as it’ll help them grow attached to Tai and his various comrades. In addition to having great visuals and a satisfying soundtrack, Digimon Adventure will appeal to those who love monster-tamer-themed programs.
Space Pirate Captain Harlock
Space Pirate Captain Harlock is a classic sci-fi series with a captivating narrative. It follows Captain Harlock, a space pirate who travels the universe to fight Earth’s corrupt regime. This anime delivers mature storytelling and explores concepts concerning power, corruption, and redemption. Harlock is a compelling protagonist due to his stoic persona and mysterious background.
He receives massive respect from his crew and you’ll adore seeing him lead them through numerous battles in the anime. This anime’s visuals are stunning from its thrilling space fights to the vivid landscapes Harlock and his crew visit. Despite delving into deep themes, the anime can feel a tad simplistic. It has a “villain of the week” type of structure that many may not adore.
However, if you’re looking for a retro anime with great visuals, likable characters, and a heart-pumping OST, then Space Pirate Captain Harlock is worth your time.
Dragon Quest: Adventure of Dai (2020)
Dragon Quest is known for being the grandfather of RPGS. It delves into numerous tales that are full of depth and intrigue. Dragon Quest: Adventure of Dai is an amazing anime based on the manga written by Riko Sanjo and illustrated by Koji Inada. Unlike the original 1991 anime adaptation, the 2020 anime adapts the entire plot of Sanjo’s manga.
This makes it the definitive way to experience his work through animation. This anime follows Dai on his journey to become an incredible hero. This anime weaves together elements of fantasy, adventure, and action to create an engaging work that will leave viewers entertained. Dai is a likable protagonist who must overcome numerous struggles during his expedition.
His companions have great personalities and are a joy to watch on screen alongside Dai. Toei Animation went all out with this anime’s visuals and animation. Every battle and calm scene looks polished. The fast-paced action scenes are impressive and the music accompanying those moments will heighten the viewers’ connection with those sequences.
Saint Seiya: Knights of the Zodiac
Saint Seiya is a classic 80s anime like Dragon Ball that garnered a huge following at the time of its release. The story follows Seiya and Athena’s other knights as they fight against many godly villains who threaten the universe. This anime features a compelling cast of powerful warriors with fun designs, powers, and personalities.
The anime follows the trope of having a “villain of the week” structure and many will criticize Seiya and his friends’ lack of free will. Nevertheless, the story has some entertaining fights and arcs that’ll keep you invested. The animation is great but often dips in quality in certain chapters. The music remains one of its best features though.
From its sad instrumentals to its catchy orchestrated tracks, you’ll find yourself glued to your screens and jamming to its beats as the characters engage in combat. If you’re looking for a fun anime with a captivating soundtrack, a decent cast, and some entertaining plot segments, check out Saint Seiya: Knights of the Zodiac.
One Piece
It’d be hard not to find a Shonen fanatic who hasn’t heard of One Piece. While Toei Animation hasn’t always adapted Eichiro Oda’s legendary manga to the best of their abilities, episodes airing as of now have looked as spectacular, if not, better than what the series looked like in the 90s. One Piece follows Monkey D. Luffy and his pirate crew on their adventure to find the treasure of One Piece.
By the end, Luffy hopes to become his world’s new Pirate King. As one can expect, Luffy and his comrades will encounter numerous hurdles that’ll prevent them from progressing on their journey. Whether it be the navy or rival pirates, Luffy’s not willing to let go of his dreams of becoming king, easily.
On that note, Luffy and his friends receive excellent development over time. They gain new abilities and become more knowledgeable about the world they inhabit. Despite being pirates, Luffy and his crew have kind hearts and are willing to help out those who need it most. In addition to having a unique power system, amazing fights, and great world-building, One Piece is a great ongoing work you should check out. Be warned, it may take you a while to catch up.
So, there we have it, our picks for the best Toei Animation anime through the years!
What do you think of our picks? Do you agree? Are there any notable omissions? Let us know in the comments below!