100 Essential Anime: A Definitive Guide to the Most Influential Anime Series Ever Made

An essential roundup of 100 of the most popular and influential Japanese anime series.

The AnimeLand team has compiled the 100 series that have breathed new life into anime or have become an essential part of the genre. Each lavishly illustrated entry focuses on one iconic title, exploring the themes and visuals that make it so special, with vital insights into the behind-the-scenes production process. With striking color artwork to illustrate in-depth explorations of each anime’s history and importance, this is a must-have reference work for fans of the genre and newcomers curious about the subject.

Starting in the early 1970s and working its way chronologically through to the 2020s, the book covers such landmarks as Dragon Ball Z, Pokémon, My Hero Academia,and Nicky Larson. Mixing behind-the-scenes anecdotes and expert analysis, 100 Essential Anime assesses each of these anime in an entertaining and accessible way. Why is Neon Genesis Evangelion so popular? How did Attack on Titan become essential viewing? What made Knights of the Zodiac so revolutionary? It’s all covered in this vital guide.

AnimeLand was created in 1991 as a fanzine written by a team of enthusiasts who have kept the magazine going against all the odds for over 30 years. Over the years, the team has evolved and many of the world’s leading manga professionals have gone through the magazine’s pages. AnimeLand is the magazine that has democratized manga and Japanese animation in France, while uniting a community of fans that continues to grow today.