Worldbuilding is one of the most technical elements ofanime, as it’s hard to draw viewers into universes that will hook them completely. However, some creators have mastered this art by creating vast fantasy realms and dystopian settings that are so important to the plot that they can be seen as just as vital as the characters.
These worlds are so well-done that you’d be in awe of all the things the writers have laid down for you to witness. Many modern anime have built a huge following thanks to their unforgettable worlds. For example, Psycho-Pass offers a futuristic cyberpunk society, while Attack on Titan takes you through a world where even the simplest things have deep moral layers.
10Sword Art Online
A Realistic-Virtual World Bound Together
Swords Art Online is one of the best Isekai animeof recent years. The show takes the idea of virtual worlds and turns it into a game-over reality. When thousands of players are trapped inside a VR game, they need to fight through different levels to beat a game that has become their new reality.
You see the Game world from the eyes of a beta-tester, Kirito, who wants to escape from this virtual world after being stuck here. This world is, however, huge and impossible to escape without completing the game.
9Psycho-Pass
A Futuristic World Ruled by Morality Algorithms
The Japanese anime series Psycho-Pass is a haunting reflection of what happens when technology takes control of morality. Set in a future where the Sybil System judges people’s mental states to determine whether they have the potential to be criminals or not, it’s a society that feels alright on the surface but is quite flawed.
The show’s worldbuilding is impressive, with futuristic elements here and there, but everyone’s life is controlled by Sybil’s judgment, making its setting feel claustrophobic. The show forces you to question whether peace is worth the price of your freedom.
8My Hero Academia
If You’re Into Superheroes, This Anime Is Perfect For You
The idea of heroes and villains is as old as storytelling itself.My Hero Academia takes this very concept and builds a world around it where superpowers known as Quirksare part of everyday life.
From treating heroes like celebrities to having schools train the next generation to battle villains, My Hero Academia is a show where heroism is at the heart of society. But heroes aren’t perfect, and villains can be seen emerging from society’s failings. It’s a world that asks tough questions about what it really means to be a hero, making it relatable despite its supernatural setting.
7Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Alchemy Is The Only Rule Of The World
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood follows the story of two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, who use alchemy to attempt to bring their mother back to life, only to suffer from the consequences that they try to undo their entire lives.
Unlike others,the show’s world is not very expansive, but it does have some interesting themes. You see different characters facing the cost of their ambitions, the pain of loss, or simply in hopes of redemption. This is all bound together by a central rule, the Law of Equivalent Exchange, telling everyone that they will pay the consequences of their choices.
6Naruto
Much More Than Just Ninjas And Shinobis
Naruto is one such anime that doesn’t need any introduction because of its global popularity. Most people started watching Naruto in their childhood,thinking it’s a ninja story, only to realize it’s much more than that. Naruto is a story of friendship, overcoming all odds lying between the battle of good and evil.
One thing that is truly well done in the show is the whole Shinobi world, where each landscape has its own villages with their own histories and political motivations. It feels as if the world is constantly growing, just like Naruto himself.
5Demon Slayer
Slaying Demons Has Never Looked Better
Demon Slayer has exploded in popularity, and while its incredible animation is a big reason why, what people often overlook is how impressive its world design is. Set in Japan, Demon Slayer follows the story of humanity’s battle against the bloodthirsty demons.
Every misty forest and quiet village hides a danger,with an entire military system, the Demon Slayer Corps,fighting these demons from the shadows. Meanwhile, the demons each have their own tragic backstories, making it difficult for you to tell who the real monsters are and who we should feel sorry for.
4Cowboy Bebop
A Jazz-fused Futuristic Classic That Is Still Amazing
The western-futuristic anime Cowboy Bebop became a classic in the early 2000s, and for good reason, because its worldbuilding was simply amazing. Cowboy Bebop follows a group of bounty hunters who travel through space, looking for their next big payday but running from their pasts.
Set in a future where Earth is no longer habitable, humanity has spread across the stars, with each planet having its own tale to tell. However, beyond the action and the space chase, the show follows the themes of loneliness, regret, and the search for meaning, all set to a perfect jazz soundtrack.
3Attack On Titan
One Of The Most Iconic Anime Thanks To Its Worldbuilding
Attack on Titan starts as a straightforward fight for survival, but it quickly becomes so much more, showing you a world much bigger and darker than you’d expect.
The real genius of this series is how it constantly puts you into a position where you start questioning your moral standing just as you realizethe decisions that different characters took weren’t so black and white. Whether it’s the truth about the Titans, the conflict between Marley and Eldia, or the hidden political agendas, they altogether present you with one of the best storylines ever written.
2Hunter X Hunter
A Realistic Fantasy That Has Built Its Fame Around The World
Hunter X Hunter takes inspiration from real-world geography and politics, creating a world that feels surprisingly realistic at times, even though it’s a fantasy show. The show follows a young boy named Gon Freecss, who wants to find his father, someone who left him as a child to become a hunter.
Through his journey, we’re introduced to Nen, a unique magic system with a clear hierarchy, a trope that you don’t see explored much in anime. Moreover, the anime is action-packed, and the rules of it constantly evolve, mostly through the moral choices of its characters.
1One Piece
The Longest Pirate Saga And Anime Ever
One Piece might be infamous for how long it is, but when it comes to worldbuilding, it is on another level. The main story of the series focuses on Luffy’s journey to find the One Piece and all the hurdles he faces along the way.
Each arc introduces new characters with their own motivations, along with a variety of islands bursting with their lore and mysteries that you see through the adventures of the Straw Hat Crew. However, what makes the show so special is how Eiichiro Oda’s storytelling ties everything together really well.
