1. Neon Genesis Evangelion #

Okay, let's talk about Neon Genesis Evangelion, or as I like to call it, "The Reason the '90s Didn't Totally Suck for Anime." This mecha-infused gem is a game-changer, a trendsetter, and yes, it saved the fate of anime in Japan when things were looking pretty bleak. Along comes Evangelion with its jaw-dropping animation and a storyline that's more interesting than my last Tinder date. It’s all about Shinji, a boy who gets roped into piloting a giant robot to fight off these beastly things called “angels.” Intrigued? You should be. Just brace yourself for only 26 episodes. I know, bummer.

2. One Piece #

Next up, One Piece. I mean, can you even call yourself an anime fan if you haven’t seen it? This show has been on air since 1997. It's the Brad Pitt of anime: aging like fine wine and still making us swoon. It follows Luffy, a rubbery pirate (literally) with big dreams. He's on a quest for the legendary treasure called One Piece, and he’s got a quirky crew that changes more often than fashion trends. The plot is clever, the twists are shocking, and it’s the perfect binge-watch for newbies and seasoned fans alike.

3. Doraemon #

Doraemon is basically the Swiss Army knife of anime, and it’s been around since the dawn of time - okay, 1969, but close enough. This show ended in 2005, but its legacy is like Cher’s career: it just keeps going with movies, shorts, and more.

Doraemon is a robotic cat from the future who pals around with a kid named Nobita solving problems with their futuristic gadgets. With over 1700 episodes, this series is perfect for those days when you just need a marathon of feel-good nostalgia.

4. Dragon Ball #

Ah, Dragon Ball. This one's like the OG shonen anime and a major pop culture icon. If you don’t know Goku and the Dragon Balls, I’m seriously worried about you. The plot is basically a treasure hunt on steroids. Goku’s after the Dragon Balls, which, when collected, summon a dragon to grant wishes. Along the way, he teams up with the “Z Warriors” to battle evil and save the world. Simple, right? But oh, so addictive.

5. Pokemon #

Finally, we have Pokemon, the Michael Jordan of anime. Well, if Michael Jordan were an adorable electric squirrel named Pikachu. This show has been zapping its way into our hearts since 1997 and is the best-selling media franchise in the world. Yes, world. It all started with a Gameboy game in 1996, and bam! Anime history was made. Following Ash, a kid who dreams of being the top Pokemon trainer, this series is the epitome of childhood nostalgia. He travels through regions, battles other trainers, and collects Pokemon.