Aesthetics is what keeps an anime fan entertained and interested in the show. Aesthetic anime of all time will target fans’ hearts, mainly when it comes to animation, color palette, art style and design. There are numerous factors that make a show pretty, but the shows mentioned here are among the beautiful that have ever been animated. They became popular because of their visual appeal.
Aesthetics play a huge role in anime, as they are able to convey certain feelings if they choose to. Anime is something that has a wide variety of shows and movies.
35 Best Aesthetic Anime Ever Made, Here Is The List
There are over a thousand anime series and a new one is created every month. Let’s face it; not all of them are worth your time and you could be spending hours on something that is just going to leave you disappointed at the end. So, if you want to ensure that you have quality time instead of wasting twice as long on something terrible, here is the top 35 aesthetic anime of all time.
1. A Silent Voice
Based on the award-winning manga by Yoshitoki Oima, ‘A Silent Voice’ is an overwhelmingly beautiful feature-length movie that packs a powerful emotional punch.
In the film A Silent Voice, Shoko Nishimiya faces bullying, loneliness, and disabilities as she copes with the challenges in her life. It also touches on the main character’s regrets, encounter and his feelings.
A Silent Voice brings us the heartwarming and touching story of Shoko Nishimiya. The film’s novel runtime (nearly two hours) allows the audience to get accustomed to her disabilities, to understand her thought process, and truly sympathize with her.
2. The Ancient Magus Bride
Get ready for a beautiful adventure that you will never forget. This is a great anime, filled with compelling characters that you will feel close to. The story revolves around Chise Hatori and Elias Elias Ainsworth, two people from unusual beginnings. This anime is perfect for those who like darker, more realistic stories.
I strongly recommend you don’t miss the Ancient Magus Bride, no matter what anybody says. The Ancient Magus Bride’s visuals are always impressively drawn and detailed, but they don’t put story or characters on the back burner. The series gives you the full package, and it does so without ever making you feel overwhelmed.
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3. Puella Magi Madoka Magica
If you like Sailor Moon, Precure and/or Yuki Yuna you’ll love it. Long before Puella Magi Madoka Magica, every magical girl show had characters that were young girls granted incredible powers and then go on various adventures as they grow under the watchful eye of a mentor.
As a fantasy story, the show has to be aesthetically pleasing for the viewers. With its amazing animation, it’s able to make this possible.
The story of a young girl who makes a contract with a mysterious creature and leads a new life, sharply contrasted with companions who are desperately fighting the same battle and with opponents driven by despair. The anime that will make you say, “It was unexpected.”
4. Garden Of Words
Garden Of Words (2013) is an amazing Aesthetic Anime movie that tells a touching love story that will stay with you forever and also my favourite anime of all time. The story gets into the mind of a young man and his relationship with a lovely woman who is a bit older than herself.
I Love this Art more than any other Anime. The Setting, the Story and the Music are Awsome! If your into Aestethic Anime’s you will love this one.
From the popular anime director Makoto Shinkai, The Garden of Words represents a time and place where anything is possible. With adorable characters and detailed animation, this short film is a romantic journey you won’t want to miss.
You can’t completely understand the story from just words, but if you actually see it, you’ll understand it. In the anime, you can feel the same feelings as if you visited there yourself.
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5. Grave Of The Fireflies
When you’re down, it’s hard to look on the brighter side of things. That’s why the anime Aesthetic shows us the beauty that we can find in the world — one that can overcome even the deepest darkness of war and death! Grave Of The Fireflies inspires us to live our lives to the fullest while we can, in case it ends too soon.
Grave of the Fireflies is a beautiful story about siblings who fight for survival during the bombing raids on Kobe during World War II. It’s a very sad movie, but also an important one that you should watch at least once in your life.
Considered as one of the most emotionally devastating anime of all time, This critically acclaimed drama features breathtaking animation, touching music and follows an innocent, yet heart-rending story of two little orphan children and their struggle for survival in a country ravaged by war.
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6. The Promised Neverland
From the mind of promising mangaka Kaiu Shirai and drawn with the finest skill of measured artist Posuka Demizu, The Promised Neverland was one of the biggest surprises of 2018. After a long day of watching new anime, this show is definitely something you should see!
The Promised Neverland was one of the most visually stunning anime of 2018 to2020, having won multiple awards for its melancholy ambiance and heart-wrenching plot. With a blend of hauntingly beautiful artwork and heavy themes, it’s no wonder why this series has quickly gained popularity.
The Promised Neverland is a gripping anime that takes you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions and also an Aesthetic anime that anyone would enjoy.
7. Made in Abyss
If you’re a fan of adventure, action, drama and stories that have all you can ask for, this show is definitely one of the top ones to watch. Because a breathtaking adventure awaits in the mysterious Abyss.
Made In Abyss is an anime that follows the adventures of a young orphan girl as she descends into the murky depths of an incredible and perilous cave system — known simply as the Abyss. Exploring her world, she meets a huge cast of monstrous creatures, who are all ruled by their own unique forms of society, conflict, and positivity.
Made in Abyss is a thrilling anime that has a cute aesthetic. It is just like a triple-layer cake that you can’t wait to sink your teeth into. It uses its dark themes, gripping story, and intense characters to keep viewers up at night. Fans won’t see this coming from what appears to be a children’s anime, but it’s well-developed characters and exciting plot twists will keep you guessing.
Due to its fantastic plot, soundtracks, visuals, character growth and a world you want to be in. The anime gives you some sort of sensation that not many anime can give you. Indeed a masterpiece.
With an action-packed second season already on its way, Made in Abyss fans are counting the days until they get to rewatch their favorite scenes. New Season of Made in Abyss will be available on Netflix in 2022.
8. Mob Psycho 100
There are few anime series that look as good as Mob Psycho 100. From the art style, to the animation to the colors — the series manages to squeeze maximum impact from its limited resources. This is pretty impressive given how many of the best looking anime use a lot more detail and color than Mob Psycho 100.
Mob is a boy who has psychic powers but instead of using them to gain attention and becoming famous, he would rather not use them at all.
The art style is so good I could die. Seriously, it’s the type of anime where they take a simple but pleasing aesthetic and make it one of the best things in the world. The characters are all designed to be realistic (except for the obvious supernatural ones) but have just a few fun quirks that give them an interesting style in comparison to the usual anime characters that exist.
9. Attack On Titan
One of the most popular shows ever made, Attack on Titan (or Shingeki no Kyojin in Japanese) is an action and drama-filled anime that follows a group of humans who are living in fear. Titans — giant humanoids that look like skinless giants — are trying to get into their territory and eat them.
Over the past few years, Attack on Titan has inspired a fan base that is unparalleled in nearly any other fandom. Its popularity has skyrocketed so much that cosplayers, writers, and even professional athletes have purchased merchandise as a tribute to their favourite characters.
The world and universe of Attack On Titan is heavily influenced by various artistic mediums such as manga, theatre and film. With an overall aesthetic, that is invigorating and immersive.
The story is amazing, and the villains are fascinating. Attack On Titan’s main strength lies in its engaging plot, rich characters and beautiful visuals. It’s an anime you’d have trouble finding anything better than it.
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10. Beyond the Boundary
Beyond the Boundary is a must-watch anime for anyone who longs for fantasy, romance, and some of the best characters to ever exist in anime. If you’re in the mood for an emotional ride and want to take a test drive with a cast of characters that each hold their own unique traits, Beyond the Boundary is your go-to choice. You’ll be in for a treat!
Beyond the Boundary is a story about two high school students, Mirai Kuriyama and Akihito Kanbara. Mirai has the power to see ghosts, which Akihito lacks. Through a series of events, these two meet and Akihito learns that he too has powers, based on his bloodline. Armed with their new abilities and members of the spirit world at their side, they begin a journey filled with action adventure and friendship.
Beyond the Boundary is universally lauded for its stunning visuals, deft storytelling, and adrenaline-fueled action sequences. An adaptation of a popular light novel series, this anime was produced by Kyoto Animation, and — true to their reputation — the studio has delivered an absolutely exceptional product here.
11. Land Of The Lustrous
The world has a lot of problems. But one alien civilization has decided to fight back — will you join them? Land Of The Lustrous is an anime about adorable amorphous creatures who are desperate to survive in a sometimes brutal universe.
This series looks like a string of candy and has characters living in the world which is full of crystals. It’s light, bubbly and utterly enjoyable to watch with vibrant character designs that complement their personalities.
Land of the Lustrous is a dazzling gem. Its aesthetic and detailed world-building bring a refreshing perspective on the anime genre — and its catchy story will leave you begging for more.
With its lush, colorful environments and cute creatures, Land of the Lustrous is one of the most aesthetically polished anime out there. The show explores an unusual concept with a robust set of characters, proving that dark and gritty doesn’t always have to be the norm.
Land of the Lustrous has only one job, but it does so very well: it presents the most vibrant aesthetic experience in anime. Its CGI style is a beautiful mix of perfect lighting and bright surfaces, while its presentation is a blend of the old and new — melding beautiful CG animation with classic Japanese animation.
12. Bakemonogatari
Bakemonogatari is an anime that tells us about the weird daily life of Araragi. He has to overcome the problems of several supernatural girls and live a normal life, meanwhile.
This great anime series puts its main character Koyomi Araragi in a series of supernatural incidents, forcing him to help girls whose insecurities have manifested physically. Each arc is a setup of old-school horror and comedy that ends with a surprisingly uplifting message. The show is also filled with popular references, hidden jokes — each episode is a fulfilling experience filled with comedy and heart.
Bakemonogatari is an aesthetic masterpiece, and the best anime to ever come out of Shaft. If you don’t believe me, just look at any screenshot on google. Your brain will be awash in colorful goodness, and you’ll be enraptured by the expansive ocean that is this anime’s worldbuilding.
It offers a stunning presentation and a unique narrative style that will keep viewers coming back episode after episode. Fans of the show can purchase the entire series on Blu-ray, or through Amazon Prime Video.
13. God Eater
As an anime, God Eater is extremely aesthetic, and if you like cutting edge CGI or a post-apocalyptic setting, then you will surely appreciate the aesthetic atmosphere of this show.
God Eater is a fantasy anime that takes place in a post-apocalyptic world that’s overrun by monsters. These monsters are called Aragami, and are hunted down by an organization named Fenrir for reasons that remain unclear for much of the series.
There are also a few other groups at work as well, but the plot focuses on the God Eaters who specialize in killing Aragami.
With gorgeous 3D anime visuals and a heart-pounding soundtrack, you’ll get lost in the absorbing story as you struggle to survive against these menacing monsters.
14. No Game No Life
“No Game No Life” is a single-season anime that talks about the life of two siblings Sora and Shiro who are hardcore gamers, as well as their peculiar adventures after they’re transported to an alternate world dominated by games. This is one of the most famous anime among millions of fans around the world.
No Game No Life is, undoubtedly, the most stunning anime that you should definitely watch. The story of two hardcore gamers who, on one fateful day, are summoned to a world where everything has been decided by games — and they’re never going back. No Game No Life is filled to the brim with stunning animation and powerful dialogue that will hook you from the very first episode.
15. Your Name
What if you could exchange bodies with someone, if only for a day? Your Name is the best animated movie of all time, with a balance of surrealism, romance and pure magic.
The story takes place in two different locations: the bustling city of Tokyo and the rural countryside of Japan. The two protagonists, Mitsuha and Taki, are complete opposites from one another.
Living completely different lifestyles, the two have never met before. One day, they randomly swap bodies: the boy wakes up to find himself in the body of a girl, and vice versa. Now, each must deal with their new physical genders as well as their old personalities.
Your Name is an entire package of beautiful art, an award-winning story, and the ideal blend of fantasy and realism.
16. Terror In Resonance
Terror in Resonance has built an aesthetic universe and anime fans are in for a real treat with this incredible thriller that will keep them gripped until the very end. It’s one of the best action anime that touches on a number of themes including friendship, identity, and a message to the world.
Terror In Resonance is a beautiful, well-developed depiction of an act of terrorism and its consequences. It centers around this devastating attack on Tokyo by two terrorists, who the public only knows as Nine and Twelve.
The criminal masterminds behind the attack are unknown, but it’s up to a team of detectives to figure out who they are and why they did it.
17. Neon Genesis Evangelion
There’s something aesthetically unique about Neon Genesis Evangelion. Its mysterious and edgy character design, complicated storyline, and memorable soundtrack are just some of the reasons why it’s one of the most popular anime worldwide.
If you’re looking for a classic anime to watch with your friends, look no further than Neon Genesis Evangelion. It offers something for every anime fan—action, romance, and even some sci-fi thrills!
Neon Genesis Evangelion is set in a futuristic city of Tokyo, the first of its kind, established after an unexplained global cataclysm. It centers on Shinji Ikari, a fourteen-year-old boy who’s constantly shunned by others due to his father’s reputation and his own aloofness. Things change with the arrival of a beautiful young woman named Rei Ayanami and her mysterious connection with Shinji’s mother Yui.
18. Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex
“Ghost in the Shell” is a classic. Telling the story of a cyborg cop team in a distant future, it’s visually stunning and thought provoking at the same time. If you’re not familiar with the series, make sure to check out it.
Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex is a stunningly beautiful anime that explores what happens when humanity begins to merge with technology. The series focuses on Section 9, an elite law enforcement unit tasked with stopping criminals and terrorists who use sophisticated cybernetic enhancements to commit crimes. Section 9’s main target is a mysterious and legendary hacker known as the Laughing Man.
19. Ergo Proxy
Ergo Proxy is an anime that delivers on making a great aesthetic journey. It’s set in the future and explores what it means to be human. If you’re into science fiction, then this show is for you — it has dark colors and is aesthetically pleasing.
It explores notions such as trust and the fear of change with sharp, intelligent direction that draws out characters’ best qualities — especially Re-L. The show’s soundtrack complements the idea of a dark futuristic city perfectly, putting you in a trance while watching it. There are hidden details all over the place as well — look closely enough and you’ll find them.
20. Deca-Dence
Deca-Dence is one of the most beautifully animated action series to come out in recent years. With an incredibly fast-paced plot, captivating characters, and stunning visuals, it’s quickly become a hit among its audience.
Deca-Dence is a visually stunning, action-packed anime series set in a post-apocalyptic world where humans have fled to mobile cities in an attempt to survive. It has all of the elements you’re looking for — action, drama and romance. With each episode having new stories, a brand new soundtrack and lots of action, it’s easy to see why Deca-Dence swiftly became a fan favourite.
21. Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress
Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress is the another best anime to watch if you are looking for an aesthetic experience like never before. The art style and animations will leave you in awe from start to finish, and the story will have you hooked.
Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress is a steampunk anime with a unique and immersive world. The story takes place in a post-apocalyptic world were villages are scattered across a land overrun by zombie-like creatures human-eating Kabane that can only be killed by piercing their iron-clad hearts. It’s an action packed anime with romantic undertones, great characters, and a fascinating setting!
22. Clannad After Story
Clannad After Story is one of the best examples of a well-crafted aesthetic anime. If you like an emotional roller coaster, Clannad: After Story is for you. Based on a visual novel by Key, and produced by Kyoto Animation, this critically acclaimed anime series tells the story of Tomoya Okazaki as he struggles to grow up — from his family issues, to his romantic entanglements, all the way to his job prospects, this series captures the reality of growing up and finding your place in the world.
With its delicate artwork and the emotional intensity it places on its quiet and thoughtful moments, the series makes an impact on viewers that can’t be replicated by any other series.
23. A Lull in the Sea
A Lull in the Sea is a visually stunning anime with a story that can top it. It follows the story of two students who are part of an underwater world that has to deal with discrimination and ostracism from the other, above-water world. The show’s use of cool colours and a calm vibe help create an aesthetic that is almost impossible not to love.
This beautiful anime series depicts an alternate underwater world of fantastic scenery and diverse, unique characters.
24. Akira
Akira is one of the most influential anime of all time, no wonder why it’s been listed as one of the greatest movies ever made. It’s hard to imagine a world where Japan is destroyed by an atomic bomb and Tokyo is now Neo-Tokyo, a cyberpunk city filled with corruption, crime, and gang violence.
If you haven’t seen it, you’re missing out: it’s a complex and gripping story that challenges your brain and gets you thinking about life, society, and what’s to come. The beauty, excitement, and action — all mixed up in a post-apocalyptic future that will leave you scratching your head wondering what comes next.
With a deeply complex story and beautifully presented scenes, Akira managed to win its fans over with both its plot and aesthetics.
25. The Night is Short, Walk on Girl
Japanese anime is a well-known art form that blends unique visuals with complex storytelling. It is the medium of the surreal and creative, with a fast-paced aesthetic that can seem overwhelming to newcomers. However, one anime stands out as both being an excellent introduction to the genre and exceeding expectations in its execution. That show is called The Night Is Short, Walk on Girl.
The Night is Short, Walk On Girl is an award-winning romantic comedy with one of the most original story lines and best aesthetics of 2017. With a unique narrative style that fuses reality with fantasy, the film balances everyday life with the messy emotions of love, friendship and growing up. Brought to you by the amazing director Masaaki Yuasa, this Japanese anime is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates well-constructed relationships and hilarious comedy.
26. The Boy and The Beast
You think you’ve seen anime — and then you see The Boy and the Beast and everything changes. When a young orphan living in a world of beasts meets a human, it’s a touching tale that shows us the power of friendship. Don’t miss this emotional masterpiece from Mamoru Hosoda.
The Boy And The Beast is an action-packed anime with a unique aesthetic that, despite being more plot-driven than some of its counterparts, still offers up plenty of opportunities for incredible world-building.
Breathtaking fight sequences and a strong focus on themes of acceptance and friendship make The Boy And The Beast shine.
27. The Girl Who Leapt Through Time
The Girl Who Leapt Through Time is a timeless classic in the world of anime, with fans still talking about it till date. It’s not a usual time-travel story, but rather an inspiring tale of a girl who finds herself unexpectedly able to leap through time, allowing her to fix mistakes and perhaps avoid heartache. The animation is gorgeous and detailed — each frame as polished as it can be.
It is a must-watch anime film that showcases the power of a great aesthetic. The plot may seem simple on the surface, but there are deeper layers to explore. The film delves into the complexities of life and what it means to love someone — as well as how we can overcome obstacles and change ourselves.
28. Death Parade
No matter how much you love anime, Death Parade is guaranteed to change the way you look at the genre. It’s a mind-blowing look into what happens when we die and are judged.
Death Parade is a thrilling anime that takes place in the afterlife, where the dead arrive on a mysterious train. They are brought to a bar, where they must play games to determine whether they deserve another chance at life or if they should be sent off to eternal suffering. Throughout the series, you’ll find fantastic animation and an intriguing plot.
29. Wolf Children
Wolf Children is a movie that will make you cry, smile, learn and most of all enjoy yourself. It’s a thought provoking movie that will make you think about parenthood as a whole and what it means to be a parent and what it means to be family.
It tells the story of Hana, a single mother who raises her two half-wolf children alone after the death of their father. When they move to the countryside, they are filled with wonder but also find challenges in their new surroundings. It’s a beautiful story of love.
30. Princess Mononoke
Few movies evoke the kind of imagination, wonder and awe that Studio Ghibli movies do. Princess Mononoke is a perfect example. It tells the story of a war between two races: those who want to destroy the forests, and those who are trying to save them.
Princess Mononoke is a movie that explores the dichotomy between nature and civilization. The film follows the journey of Ashitaka, a prince who becomes cursed after killing the evil possessing boar god Nago; as he ventures deep into a forest on the outskirts of his homeland to seek a cure for his curse.
It is a stunningly gorgeous film that critiques obsession with resources and growth while still building the mythos of an epic adventure.
31. The Tatami Galaxy
The Tatami Galaxy’s story is so creative and unique. It’s no wonder why the show has won so many awards and set such a high bar for other aesthetically pleasing anime.
The series follows a lonely college dropout who’s teleported back to his high school days. He gets the opportunity to turn his life around.
It is not your typical, run-of-the-mill anime. However, it is the best example of an aesthetic anime that there ever was. The Tatami Galaxy’s drawing style complements its narrative — a narrative that, on the surface, may seem confusing but, once all the pieces are put together by the viewer, turns out to be extremely coherent and well-constructed.
32. Hyouka
Hyouka is a fascinating series about a lazy high school student whose world changes when he meets a girl who is obsessed with mystery. Oreki Hotarou is a high school student with some quirks. His motto has always been ” minimum effort, maximum effect,” but when he meets Chitanda Eru, his outlook on life changes.
With its style mixes suspense, comedy and detective elements, “Hyouka” is a mix of an amazing storyline and great animation.
It’s no question that Hyouka is one of the most aesthetically pleasing shows to ever come out of Japan. With a visually stunning setting and spot-on animation, it’s really impossible to ignore the love and attention that went into the production of this show.
33. Cowboy Bebop
The anime Cowboy Bebop is one of many examples of the aesthetic anime genre. It tells the story of Spike Spiegel and his team. They’re bounty hunters who live in a space station called the Bebop. They travel around chasing criminals and trying to find out what happened with our Spike’s past companions.
With a unique mix of sci-fi, action, humor and drama, the visuals and sounds of the show comprise a complete package, encompassing everything from guns to spaceships, from space battles to food.
34. Yona Of The Dawn
Yona of the Dawn is a great example of pure animation talent, a gorgeous series that uses bright, beautiful visuals to tell an epic story with three-dimensional characters.
As for the action sequences, they are filled with intense emotion and elaborate choreography, making them among my favorites. The graphics and animation in Yona of the Dawn are without compare, an amazing accomplishment for Studio Pierrot.
35. My Neighbor Totoro
If you’ve seen any Studio Ghibli film, there’s a good chance you love the unique art and aesthetic. Each scene has a lush sense of depth, reminiscent of a full-color cartoon. And some of the colors are so vivid that they pop off the screen while others fade into the background — like where My Neighbor Totoro starts.
This beloved film by Miyazaki follows two young girls, Satsuke and her younger sister, Mei, as they settle into a new home and wait for their mother to recover from an illness in a hospital. They interact with spirits and mystical creatures in the forest.
Its beautiful animation style, heart-warming story line, and adorable characters make it an unforgettable classic — especially since it’s now been re-imagined in a gorgeous remastered edition.
Final Thought:
Whether you are a hardcore anime fan or just starting to explore the genre, we have compiled a list of top anime for you to enjoy. Anime is one of the finest genres of film and art form which have managed to enchant viewers from all around the globe.
If your favorite Aesthetic Anime that listed above isn’t included or if you think we missed out any other anime not in the list, let us know by commenting below. With all that said, we encourage you to read these lists before making a final decision.
We hope our lists above help you find the best aesthetic anime of all time, but it’s up to you decide what quality and entertainment is best for you personally. Moreover, I am sure, these anime will keep you busy for weeks. Let’s get watching!
