I’ve never had a hard #1. It feels almost vulgar to hold Evangelion, Samurai Champloo, and Golden Boy to the same standard.

But there are definitely shows I pick up on that bring the whole artistic style into a new light. The style and pacing of Frieren, especially early on, left me wondering why I haven’t found an anime like this sooner. The outro music mix in Chainsaw Man sets it apart even beyond the story. Miyazaki’s Spirited Away put all those hack Disney movies in the dust bin.

I don’t think I can pry Full Metal Alchemist out of my brain just to make room for One Piece in the top spot. So much of the appeal of the genre is in the invention and the artistry. It’s a space that still feels fresh and bold and weird in a way American media struggles to compete. But who can rate a Van Gogh against a Rafael or a Picaso? Who would dare to try?