10 Anime With The Best Worldbuilding, Ranked
Anime has become a globally respected medium, bursting with a myriad of genres and attracting an ever-growing audience. Amongst its most captivating features is the ability to transport viewers into meticulously crafted universes. Worldbuilding ties these imaginative spaces together, offering a foundation for compelling narratives and intricate character development. Here’s a rundown of 10 anime with some of the most extraordinary worldbuilding, ranked.
1.”Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic”
“Magi” brings to life an intricate world inspired by the tales of “One Thousand and One Nights.” The show introduces a system of magic and mysterious labyrinths called Dungeons, housing mythical beings and treasures. With its blend of political intrigue and cultural diversity within varied kingdoms, “Magi” creates a rich, enchanting tapestry.
2.”Psycho-Pass”
Set in a dystopian future where Japan is governed by the Sibyl System, an omnipresent bio-metric network steering human thought and action using the “crime coefficient,” this anime scrutinizes the intricacies of free will and morality in an authoritarian state.
3.”Attack on Titan”
Humanity is on the brink of extinction as they cower behind enormous walls protecting them from giant humanoid Titans. With its intriguing mysteries about humanity’s past and its stunning revelations about the world beyond the walls, “Attack on Titan” keeps viewers constantly guessing.
4.”Fate/Zero”
Within a hidden world where historical figures manifest as spiritual entities summoned by modern-day mages to compete in a battle for the Holy Grail, “Fate/Zero” interweaves mythologies across time and geography into its narrative structure to create an epic tale.
5.”One Piece”
Eiichiro Oda’s masterpiece spans over multiple islands and seas, each with their unique cultures, climates, and politics. The sheer size and complexity of its world are as boundless as the adventures it hosts.
6.”Made in Abyss”
A gripping tale centered around ‘The Abyss,’ a seemingly bottomless pit filled with relics and exotic creatures, this series excels in presenting both the wonderous allures and lurking horrors of uncharted lands.
7.”Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood”
Exploring themes of alchemy’s mystical laws and consequences within a pseudo-European setting besieged with civil unrest and hidden secrets, this beloved anime boasts remarkable depth in both narrative and setting.
8.”Hunter x Hunter (2011)”
With every new arc comes a new territory or system to explore—be it the complex Nen abilities or new lands like the dark continent. Yoshihiro Togashi has created one of the most detailed universes that consistently expands while maintaining internal consistency.
9.”Neon Genesis Evangelion”
Presenting a post-apocalyptic city under siege by otherworldly Angels, where biomechanical mechs called Evangelions operated by troubled teens are humanity’s last defense—the series plunges into heady psychological depths amidst its war-torn setting.
10.”Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind”
Hayao Miyazaki’s early work is visionary, not only for its post-apocalyptic setting rich with political alliances, wars, and ecological disasters but also for how harmoniously he blends environmentalism with fantasy elements—a worldbuilding opus that remains timeless in appeal.
Each anime listed provides viewers with immersive experiences unique to their worlds—a testament to their creators’ powers of imagination bolstered by compelling storytelling that resonates far beyond their respective fandoms.