When it comes to the term “American Anime”, the first question is, how can an anime be American Because anime means animation produced and animated in Japan.
Well, you see, some animated series, be it cartoons or adult animations, are either inspired by the anime style of doing things or are produced and animated by a Japanese anime studio. That’s where the word American Anime comes in.
There are many American animated series like that. And with the booming popularity of anime throughout the globe, more and more animated series from America collaborate with Japanese anime studios or with creators from Japan to bring that touch of anime to their narrative.
So, To make it easier for you to choose the best ones out there, I have created a list consisting of American anime.
Without further ado, Let’s dive right into the list of 20 Best American Anime that you’ll enjoy watching.
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#20 Masters of the Universe: Revelation
Number of seasons: 2
Number of episodes: 10
Genre: Action, Adventure, Science fantasy
Rating: 50/100
The Masters of the Universe is the spiritual successor of the 1980s classic of the same name.
The final assault on Castle Grayskull ended up with Skeletor losing his life while putting an end to the legend of He-Man. On top of that, it damaged the source of all magic.
To stop the end of the universe, Teela has to solve the mystery behind the missing Sword of Power.
What’s So Special:
This spiritual successor is a continuation that solves the mysteries of the 1980s classic while delivering a modern-day twist to it with the new look. You just have to sit back and enjoy it.
#19 DOTA: Dragon’s Blood
Number of seasons: 2
Number of episodes: 16
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Rating: 51/100
Davion is a legendary dragon knight who slays dragons for the world’s safety.
Meanwhile, the demons have waged war against the dragons to kill them and absorb all their souls. To fight against these demons, an elder dragon merges his soul with the dragon knight.
Now that’s what you call the irony of life.
And with that Davion’s world turns upside down, and an encounter with a princess makes it even worse.
What’s So Special:
DOTA is one of those rare video-game adaptations that has been well-executed.
This animated series has dragons, demons, a princess with a secret mission, and even a dragon knight who has now merged with a dragon soul.
#18 RWBY
Number of seasons: 8 (S9 announced)
Number of episodes: 106
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Rating: 52/100
In the world of Remnant, huntresses hunt down murky creatures called Grimms. These creatures threaten the peace of both humans and human-hybrids known as faunas.
The four kingdoms of Remnant train children to become huntresses at dedicated academies. In one of those academies, there is Team RWBY, a group where its members hardly get along. But in battle, they are a formidable force.
What’s So Special:
In RWBY, there are special abilities, soulless antagonists, and powerful female leads with cool weapons. And the franchise is getting a new anime project titled RWBY: Ice Queendom, animated by Shaft.
So, you’ve something to look forward to after completing all the current seasons.
#17 Sym-Bionic Titan
Number of seasons: 1
Number of episodes: 20
Genre: Action, Adventure, Mecha, Science Fiction
Rating: 56/100
After their planet is taken over by the evil general, Lance, Ilana, and Octus flee from their home planet Galaluna and crash land on a similar-looking planet called Earth.
The alien trio disguises themselves as high school students to protect themselves from the mutants sent by the evil manager to hunt them.
During the battle, the Galalunans put on their armour which is stronger than any regular suit. When the earth is under attack, these three combine into a cyber giant called Sym-Bionic Titan. They do this by using the sym-bionic defence program.
What’s So Special:
First of all, The premise is just like the K-Drama, Crash Landing on You. If you don’t know what that is, you can either ignore it or google it.
Moving on. This animated series is criminally underrated. This series delivers on the promise of great piloted-robot action sequences. This is what it looks like when Aliens and Mecha are done right.
#16 Star Wars: Visions
Number of seasons: 1
Number of episodes: 9
Genre: Action, Science Fiction, Space
Rating: 57/100
Star Wars Vision is an anthology series set within the universe of Star Wars. This animated series will have different stories for each episode. And each of the episodes will be animated by seven Japanese anime studios.
That includes Production I.G (Haikyuu), Science Saru (Heike Monogatari), Kinema Citrus (Made in Abyss), Studio Trigger (Kill la Kill), Geno Studio (Golden Kamuy), Studio Colorido (Burn the Witch), Kamikaze Douga (Batman Ninja).
This series celebrates the Star Wars franchise through the eyes of some of the best Japanese anime creators.
What’s So Special:
What is not special about this? A legendary American multimedia franchise getting an animated series by Japanese anime creators. And you have to watch Star Wars Visions to absorb this creative collaboration which doesn’t come around that often.
There are quite a lot of homages in this series as well. So, make sure to watch it.
Also, the rumor is that the second season is under production and will soon hit the screens.
#15 The Legend of Korra
Number of seasons: 4
Number of episodes: 52
Genre: Action, Adventure, Martial Arts
Rating: 59/100
The world has come a long way since the appearance of Aang, The avatar.
Seven decades later, a girl from the Southern Water Tribe is now an avatar like Aang. Korra is strong, determined, and fearless. The only element she needs to master is Air. She has already mastered Fire, Earth, and Water.
With Aang’s son Tenzin as her guardian, Korra begins her training but soon finds herself amid a growing anti-bending revolution and crimes related to it.
What’s So Special:
The Legend of Korra is more than just a worthy successor to Avatar The Last Airbender. It has a great cast, a steampunk world, and most importantly ever-growing collision between the benders and the non-benders.
#14 Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts
Number of seasons: 3
Number of episodes: 30
Genre: Adventure, Post-apocalypse, Science Fiction
Rating: 61/100
Kipo Oak lived in an underground city until she was forced to leave for the surface to search for her father. The surface, however, is a post-apocalyptic wasteland ruled by the mutes, The mutated animals.
There she befriends human survivors as well as a couple of mutes. Wolf and Belson are the humans, and Dave and Mandu are the mutant animals.
What’s So Special:
Doesn’t the idea of searching for a missing person in a post-apocalyptic world sound intriguing already?
Not to forget that Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts is just inches away from being a musical, or you can already call it one. The music is that good throughout this animated series.
#13 She-Ra and the Princesses of Power
Number of seasons: 5
Number of episodes: 52
Genre: Action, Adventure, Science Fiction, Fantasy
Rating: 63/100
Evil Hordak rules Planet Etheria. On that planet, an orphan named Adora is raised by Hordak, the evil ruler. After stumbling upon a magic sword in the woods, Adora transforms into She-Ra, the Princess of Power.
Following this, she discovers the truth and joins the Princess Alliance, a group of magical girls fighting against Hordak and his evil army to restore peace in Etheria.
What’s So Special:
She-Ra and the Princesses of Power is the reboot of the 90s classic of the same name.
Animated in 1985, the story focuses on the twin-sister of Prince Adam, whom you know as He-Man. Besides these, The animated series has strong female characters and an engaging storyline.
#12 The Dragon Prince
Number of seasons: 3
Number of episodes: 27
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Rating: 66/100
The sun, moon, stars, ocean, earth, and sky are the sources of magic in the land of Xadia. However, when humans were unable to use magic naturally, they chose to use dark magic.
The source for that kind of magic comes from the most unique magical creature which humans begin to capture.
And just like that, a war is waged between the kingdom of Xadia and the humans. To avenge the demise of the Dragon King, and their heir, the Xadia kingdom sends assassins to kill the human king and his son.
But after discovering the secret about their heir being alive, both the parties join hands to take him back to Xadia. That is the only hope to stop this century-long bloodshed.
What’s So Special:
The Dragon Prince has elves, dragons, and other magical creatures. The coexistence of diverse races makes it vibrant along with a plot that captures the ugly sides of a war.
United we stand, divided we fall – The Dragon Prince depicts this beautifully.
#11 The Legend of Vox Machina
Number of seasons: 1 (S2 announced)
Number of episodes: 12
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Rating: 68/100
What happens when a group of misfits fights for justice?
Our protagonists are mercenaries for hire who love nothing more than easy money and ale. Justice is the last thing they worry about.
But when times test them, they stand up against evil to bring justice to the kingdom of Exandria. Will these eight mercenaries be able to do that?
What’s So Special:
The Legend of Vox Machina is WILD. It doesn’t shy away from flaunting the misfits. And as you can tell already, this animated series is a misfit among the other entries on this list.
A True Misfit indeed.
#10 Voltron Legendary Defender
Number of seasons: 8
Number of episodes: 76
Genre: Action, Mecha, Science Fiction
Rating: 71/100
The infamous Galra empire has been erasing civilizations throughout the universe. An intergalactic battle has begun. Voltron, the Defender of the Universe, stands as the only hope to stop Galra.
The legendary robot Voltron is composed of five lion robots, of which five earthlings, Keith, Hunk, Shiro, Pidge, and Lance, are the current pilots.
Can these five teenagers from earth defeat the evil empire of Galra
What’s So Special:
Voltron is specially customized for those who love robots and aliens fighting it out in space with eye-catching action sequences.
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#9 Love, Death + Robots
Number of seasons: 3
Number of episodes: 34
Genre: Anthology, Science fantasy
Rating: 74/100
Love, Death + Robots is an anthology series. You don’t have to search for your favourite genres and watch several shows to enjoy all of them. Instead, just watch Love, Death + Robots.
Science Fiction, Fantasy, Horror, Comedy, Mecha, Cyberpunk, Action, Love, Death + Robots is an all-in-one package you will regret skipping.
As if that wasn’t enough, Love, Death + Robots has three seasons, the third one releasing in May 2022.
What’s So Special:
The question should be, What is not special about Love, Death + Robots?
It’s a series executing several genres with perfection, be it the animation or storytelling. Love, Death + Robots is episodic, both with the cast and the stories, with a couple of exceptions.
#8 Castlevania
Number of seasons: 4
Number of episodes: 32
Genre: Action, Dark Fantasy, Horror, Vampire
Rating: 77/100
Trevor Belmont is the last survivor of a disgraced clan. Trevor aims to protect the human species from getting wiped out by the hands of Vlad Dracula Tepes.
Taking place in Eastern Europe, this battle is between vampires and humans. Trevor seems to have attracted misfits to join his team in the war against Dracula and the army of vampires.
What’s So Special:
Castlevania is all about vampires, gore, and well-executed action sequences that fit in well with the narrative.
To someone who loved Devilman: Crybaby, Castlevania is the perfect alternative.
#7 Star vs. the Forces of Evil
Number of seasons: 4
Number of episodes: 73
Genre: Comedy, Fantasy, Magical Girl
Rating: 79/100
Though Princess Star Butterfly of Menwi was entrusted with the royal magical wand, she proves to be unworthy of it. And to make her worthy, She is sent to the Earth, a place devoid of magic.
There she lives with the Diaz family and befriends their son, Marco Diaz. And the princess, as expected, is not living a normal life as she joins hands with Marco to fight the evil while protecting the wand from the hands of Ludo Avarius.
What’s So Special:
Star vs. the Forces of Evil is known for the eccentricity it represents, especially with the two main leads going all out when it comes to an adventurous life.
#6 The Owl House
Number of seasons: 2 (S3 announced)
Number of episodes: 40
Genre: Comedy, Fantasy, Magical Girl
Rating: 82/100
The Owl House is an isekai. Yes, you heard it right.
While on her way to a reality check camp, Luz accidentally steps into the realm of demons through a portal.
In that realm, she meets a witch named Edalyn Clawthorne and her sidekick King Clawthorne. Luz decides to become a witch even though she doesn’t have any magical abilities. To do that, Luz becomes Edalyn’s apprentice.
What’s So Special:
The Owl House is adorable, funny, and whimsical American anime.
If you want something light-hearted with an engaging plot, this animated series got you covered. And there’s an OWL too.
Hoot, Hoot!
#5 Samurai Jack
Number of seasons: 5
Number of episodes: 62
Genre: Action, Adventure, Martial Arts
Rating: 85/100
A young prince loses his all when Aku, a shape-shifting demon, destroys his father’s empire. The prince vows to take down Aku and travels throughout the globe with his father’s magical katana and becomes a legendary samurai.
He was this far from dealing the final blow when Aku sent him to the future through a portal. The prince witnesses that the future Aku is the ruler with minions of different species, even from outside the earth.
The inhabitants of the future call him Jack, Samurai Jack.
See what I did there 😉
What’s So Special:
It’s a samurai show with an American twist to it. Science fiction, martial arts, and even magic. What else do you need from Samurai Jack?
#4 The Boondocks
Number of seasons: 4
Number of episodes: 55
Genre: Sitcom, Action, Satire
Rating: 88/100
Two kids move away from their home to live with their grandfather, who has a short temper. The 10-year-old Huey is socially motivated, whereas the 8-year-old Riley is the epitome of rap culture.
While the grandfather wishes to lead a peaceful life, his grandkids have other plans, and peaceful life is not among those.
What’s So Special:
The Boondocks is a social satire about African-Americans leading their lives in a white middle-class neighbourhood. It has everything you expect it to be.
It even has a cast that adds so much to the story.
Besides this, This is one of the funniest shows on the list, and the anime-inspired animation makes it even more enjoyable.
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#3 Steven Universe
Number of seasons: 5
Number of episodes: 160
Genre: Adventure, Coming of Age, Fantasy
Rating: 91/100
The universe is protected by a team of magical beings known as The Crystal Gems. Among them is Steven, who is half-human, half-gem.
His source of power is his belly button. While he might not be the best among the Gems, he always finds a way to contribute. The other members are Garnet, Pearl, and Amethyst.
Where there’s a will, there’s a way – this seems to be the motto for our protagonist Steven.
What’s So Special:
Steven Universe is vibrant and delivers a ton of messages to modern society with lots of slice-of-life elements. Besides that, it also presents you with Sci-fi and magic elements.
Note: There is Steven Universe Future, a limited series that was released after the movie. So make sure to watch that too.
#2 Arcane
Number of seasons: 1 (S2 announced)
Number of episodes: 9
Genre: Action, Adventure, Steampunk
Rating: 96/100
Two cities very contrasting in nature fight over the hextech crystals that have the power to control magical energy.
With the rise in tension, the city of Piltover and Zuan will soon face inevitable war. Amidst this fragile state between two cities, two orphan sisters steal an artifact that holds incredible power.
What will these series of events lead to?
What’s So Special:
Arcane is one of the rare animated series that excels in delivering the Steampunk genre with its exceptional worldbuilding and character development.
It took 6 years to animate 9 episodes of Arcane, which means the quality and the consistency is the last thing you have to worry about.
Arcane is an adaptation of the very popular video game called League of Legends.
#1 Avatar: The Last Airbender
Number of seasons: 3
Number of episodes: 61
Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Martial Arts
Rating: 98/100
The four nations, Water Tribes, Earth Kingdom, Fire Nation, and the Air Nomads, were at peace until the Fire Nation began the war. It got even worse when Avatar, the master of all four elements, disappeared.
There’s no end to this war until the Avatar stops it. But he is nowhere to be seen.
A century later, Katara and Sokka befriended Aang, the current avatar who has to master all the four elements (Air, Water, Earth & Fire) to stop the war once and for all.
What’s So Special:
Avatar The Last Airbender proves to be a solid all-rounder and one of the best-animated series, if not the best.
Grand adventure, proper martial arts animation, friendships, drama, politics, Avatar The Last Airbender has it all. You can’t miss Avatar.
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Honourable Mentions
As always, I am back again with some extra American anime that are worth watching.
- Samurai & Shogun
- Blood of Zeus
- Bee and PuppyCat
- Onyx Equinox
FAQs
Is Anime Only from Japan?
The word anime means animation in Japan. But outside of Japan, anime is a media work produced and animated in Japan. So, yes, technically, anime is only from Japan.
Want to try out something new?
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Has Any American Made Anime?
Yes, Americans also participate in anime. Nowadays, many freelancers work for Japanese studios. They work on anime like One Piece, Dragon Ball Super, Jujutsu Kaisen, and so on.
American Anime Vs Japanese Anime
Well, anime is something that is produced and animated only in Japan. So, anime is always a forte for the Japanese. American anime (animation inspired by anime) are great, but very few can give Japanese anime a run for their money.
But in recent years, the collaboration between American animation and Japanese animation has brought out the best of these two styles.
What Is the Best American Anime?
While Avatar: The Last Airbender, The Boondocks, Samurai Jack, and The Legend of Korra were among the few renowned names earlier. However, following the late 2010s, there have been great American anime like Castlevania, Arcane, Steven Universe, and the latest one being Star Wars Visions.
And with that, this not-so-long list of Best American Anime concludes. I have added the evergreen classics and some of the most recent American animated series with an anime influence.
I hope you find at least a couple of American anime from this list and enjoy it on your weekends.
With that, I will conclude this listicle. Thank you for reading it, and I will be waiting to hear your feedback. So, feel free to reach out to us on our Instagram handle.
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