whatanimeshouldiwatchnext · Drama

The best adult cast drama anime you can start from the beginning

91 anime that are both drama and adult cast, ranked by MyAnimeList, with none of the sequels, side stories or recap editions you cannot start cold. Top of the list: Ginga Eiyuu Densetsu, Monster, Shiguang Dailiren.

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The list

1. 1 Ginga Eiyuu Densetsu Legend of the Galactic Heroes OVA · 1988 · 110 episodes · K-Factory · #12 on MyAnimeList 89% would recommend
2. 2 Monster TV · 2004 · 74 episodes · Madhouse · #26 on MyAnimeList 94% would recommend
3. 3 Shiguang Dailiren Link Click ONA · 2021 · 11 episodes · LAN Studio · #67 on MyAnimeList 95% would recommend
4. 4 Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan - Tsuioku-hen Samurai X: Trust and Betrayal OVA · 1999 · 4 episodes · Studio Deen · #72 on MyAnimeList 94% would recommend
5. 5 Odd Taxi TV · 2021 · 13 episodes · OLM · #103 on MyAnimeList 95% would recommend
6. 6 Nana TV · 2006 · 47 episodes · Madhouse · #124 on MyAnimeList 91% would recommend
7. 7 Perfect Blue Film · 1998 · Madhouse · #136 on MyAnimeList 94% would recommend
8. 8 Prism Rondo Love Through a Prism ONA · 2026 · 20 episodes · Wit Studio · #188 on MyAnimeList 92% would recommend
9. 9 Josee to Tora to Sakana-tachi Josee, the Tiger and the Fish Film · 2020 · Bones · #251 on MyAnimeList 94% would recommend
10. 10 Kaze ga Tsuyoku Fuiteiru Run with the Wind TV · 2018 · 23 episodes · Production I.G · #252 on MyAnimeList 93% would recommend
11. 11 Uchuu Senkan Yamato 2199 Star Blazers: Space Battleship Yamato 2199 OVA · 2012 · 26 episodes · Xebec · #316 on MyAnimeList 91% would recommend
12. 12 Tokyo Godfathers Film · 2003 · Madhouse · #346 on MyAnimeList 94% would recommend
13. 13 Shirobako TV · 2014 · 24 episodes · P.A. Works · #382 on MyAnimeList 90% would recommend
14. 14 Sennen Joyuu Millennium Actress Film · 2002 · Madhouse · #394 on MyAnimeList 91% would recommend
15. 15 Planetes TV · 2003 · 26 episodes · Sunrise · #409 on MyAnimeList 90% would recommend
16. 16 Maison Ikkoku TV · 1986 · 96 episodes · Studio Deen · #424 on MyAnimeList 85% would recommend
17. 17 Ookami to Koushinryou Spice and Wolf TV · 2008 · 13 episodes · Imagin · #439 on MyAnimeList 90% would recommend
18. 18 Death Parade TV · 2015 · 12 episodes · Madhouse · #545 on MyAnimeList 90% would recommend
19. 19 Interstella5555: The 5tory of The 5ecret 5tar 5ystem Film · 2003 · Toei Animation · #554 on MyAnimeList 88% would recommend
20. 20 Ookami to Koushinryou: Merchant Meets the Wise Wolf Spice and Wolf: Merchant Meets the Wise Wolf TV · 2024 · 25 episodes · Passione · #560 on MyAnimeList 90% would recommend
21. 21 Toumei na Yoru ni Kakeru Kimi to, Me ni Mienai Koi wo Shita. Love Unseen Beneath the Clear Night Sky TV · 2026 · 12 episodes · Makaria · #695 on MyAnimeList 89% would recommend
22. 22 Hyouge Mono TV · 2011 · 39 episodes · Bee Train · #705 on MyAnimeList 81% would recommend
23. 23 Hachimitsu to Clover Honey and Clover TV · 2005 · 24 episodes · J.C.Staff · #782 on MyAnimeList 84% would recommend
24. 24 Kuuchuu Buranko Welcome to Irabu's Office TV · 2009 · 11 episodes · Toei Animation · #908 on MyAnimeList 84% would recommend
25. 25 Death Billiards Film · 2013 · Madhouse · #998 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.