whatanimeshouldiwatchnext · Award Winning · Drama

The best award-winning drama anime you can start from the beginning

84 anime that are both award-winning and drama, ranked by MyAnimeList, with none of the sequels, side stories or recap editions you cannot start cold. Top of the list: Sousou no Frieren, Koe no Katachi, Kimi no Na wa..

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The list

1. 1 Sousou no Frieren Frieren: Beyond Journey's End TV · 2023 · 28 episodes · Madhouse · #1 on MyAnimeList 94% would recommend
2. 2 Koe no Katachi A Silent Voice Film · 2016 · Kyoto Animation · #22 on MyAnimeList 96% would recommend
3. 3 Kimi no Na wa. Your Name. Film · 2016 · CoMix Wave Films · #37 on MyAnimeList 95% would recommend
4. 4 Code Geass: Hangyaku no Lelouch Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion TV · 2006 · 25 episodes · Sunrise · #61 on MyAnimeList 94% would recommend
5. 5 Howl no Ugoku Shiro Howl's Moving Castle Film · 2004 · Studio Ghibli · #80 on MyAnimeList 95% would recommend
6. 6 Ping Pong the Animation TV · 2014 · 11 episodes · Tatsunoko Production · #97 on MyAnimeList 94% would recommend
7. 7 Odd Taxi TV · 2021 · 13 episodes · OLM · #103 on MyAnimeList 95% would recommend
8. 8 Look Back Film · 2024 · Studio DURIAN · #111 on MyAnimeList 95% would recommend
9. 9 Shingeki no Kyojin Attack on Titan TV · 2013 · 25 episodes · Wit Studio · #126 on MyAnimeList 94% would recommend
10. 10 Perfect Blue Film · 1998 · Madhouse · #136 on MyAnimeList 94% would recommend
11. 11 [Oshi no Ko] [Oshi No Ko] TV · 2023 · 11 episodes · Doga Kobo · #154 on MyAnimeList 92% would recommend
12. 12 Mahou Shoujo Madoka★Magica Puella Magi Madoka Magica TV · 2011 · 12 episodes · Shaft · #246 on MyAnimeList 91% would recommend
13. 13 Shinseiki Evangelion Neon Genesis Evangelion TV · 1995 · 26 episodes · Gainax · #265 on MyAnimeList 89% would recommend
14. 14 Kaze no Tani no Nausicaä Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind Film · 1984 · Topcraft · #276 on MyAnimeList 92% would recommend
15. 15 Tokyo Godfathers Film · 2003 · Madhouse · #346 on MyAnimeList 94% would recommend
16. 16 Tenki no Ko Weathering with You Film · 2019 · CoMix Wave Films · #369 on MyAnimeList 92% would recommend
17. 17 Hotarubi no Mori e Into the Forest of Fireflies' Light Film · 2011 · Brain's Base · #380 on MyAnimeList 91% would recommend
18. 18 Shirobako TV · 2014 · 24 episodes · P.A. Works · #382 on MyAnimeList 90% would recommend
19. 19 Sennen Joyuu Millennium Actress Film · 2002 · Madhouse · #394 on MyAnimeList 91% would recommend
20. 20 Shoujo Kakumei Utena Revolutionary Girl Utena TV · 1997 · 39 episodes · J.C.Staff · #396 on MyAnimeList 86% would recommend
21. 21 Majo no Takkyuubin Kiki's Delivery Service Film · 1989 · Studio Ghibli · #407 on MyAnimeList 93% would recommend
22. 22 Planetes TV · 2003 · 26 episodes · Sunrise · #409 on MyAnimeList 90% would recommend
23. 23 Kono Sekai no Katasumi ni In This Corner of the World Film · 2016 · MAPPA · #414 on MyAnimeList 91% would recommend
24. 24 Kaze Tachinu The Wind Rises Film · 2013 · Studio Ghibli · #533 on MyAnimeList 90% would recommend
25. 25 Fullmetal Alchemist TV · 2003 · 51 episodes · Bones · #565 on MyAnimeList 90% would recommend

Why this is not a MyAnimeList search. Every entry here is one you can start from the beginning. Anything with a prequel or a parent story is left out, as are recaps and compilation editions — about half of what MyAnimeList ranks. Ordered by MyAnimeList position. The percentage is the share of MyAnimeList scorers who rated a title 7 or higher.