Anime continues to captivate audiences worldwide with its diverse storytelling, stunning visuals, and unforgettable moments. Using IMDb’s user ratings as a guide, we’ve updated this list as of December 31, 2025, drawing from the latest available data to ensure accuracy. Ratings reflect thousands of votes and can shift slightly over time, but these episodes consistently rank among the elite. This countdown begins with the “lowest” rated in the top tier (still an impressive 9.8) and ascends to the pinnacle. For each, we’ve included the episode title, parent series overview, and a spoiler-light plot summary to highlight its appeal. Regarding My Hero Academia, while it boasts several highly rated episodes around 9.8 (such as “One For All” from Season 3), none surpass the 9.9 threshold of the absolute top entries. We’ve incorporated a standout MHA episode that fits the criteria, replacing the previous one for freshness and relevance.
15. My Hero Academia – “The Final Boss!!” (Season 7, Episode 14, 2024) – Rating: 9.8 (18K votes)
My Hero Academia is a superpowered shonen series following Izuku Midoriya’s journey from quirkless underdog to aspiring top hero in a society of abilities and villains. In this intense installment, Bakugo returns to the fray, aiming to rescue All Might and turn the tide against the formidable All For One. The episode’s explosive action and character-driven stakes exemplify MHA’s blend of heroism, growth, and high-stakes battles, making it a fan-favorite climax in the series’ ongoing saga.
14. One Piece – “Nakama no Itami wa Waga Itami: Zoro Kesshi no Tatakai” (Season 1, Episode 377, 2008) – Rating: 9.8 (63K votes)
One Piece chronicles Monkey D. Luffy’s epic quest for the legendary treasure amid a world of pirates, marines, and ancient mysteries. Here, an exhausted Zoro steps up against the powerful Kuma to shield his crew, facing a gut-wrenching ultimatum. This display of unwavering loyalty and sacrifice underscores the series’ emphasis on camaraderie, resonating deeply in its vast narrative.
13. Attack on Titan – “The Basement” (Season 3, Episode 7, 2017) – Rating: 9.8 (64K votes)
Attack on Titan is a grim fantasy exploring humanity’s survival against colossal Titans and hidden truths in a walled society. The Scouts uncover long-buried secrets in Grisha’s basement, reshaping Eren’s understanding of his world. The episode’s revelations and emotional weight mark a pivotal shift from action to intricate conspiracy.
12. Attack on Titan – “That Day” (Season 3, Episode 20, 2019) – Rating: 9.8 (67K votes)
In this series of betrayal and warfare, a deep dive into Grisha’s past exposes shocking family secrets tied to Eren’s mother. The narrative layers add profound depth, blending personal tragedy with global lore in Attack on Titan’s signature style.
11. Attack on Titan – “Midnight Sun” (Season 3, Episode 18, 2019) – Rating: 9.8 (86K votes)
Amid the aftermath of a brutal clash, Levi must choose who to save with scarce resources, heightening the series’ themes of loss and morality. This episode’s heart-wrenching decisions amplify the human cost of Titan conflicts.
10. Attack on Titan – “From You, 2000 Years Ago” (Season 4, Episode 21, 2022) – Rating: 9.8 (94K votes)
Eren and Zeke clash over ideals as Ymir’s tragic origins unfold, delving into the cycle of hatred. The historical revelations enrich Attack on Titan’s exploration of freedom and destiny.
9. Attack on Titan – “Declaration of War” (Season 4, Episode 5, 2021) – Rating: 9.8 (95K votes)
Eren faces Reiner as Willy Tybur addresses the world, aiming to break the chain of prejudice against Eldians. The tension and strategic maneuvers highlight the series’ political intrigue.
8. Attack on Titan – “Memories of the Future” (Season 4, Episode 20, 2022) – Rating: 9.8 (96K votes)
Zeke guides Eren through Grisha’s memories, uncovering unexpected truths about influence and fate. This mind-bending episode twists family dynamics in profound ways.
7. Attack on Titan – “Assault” (Season 4, Episode 7, 2021) – Rating: 9.8 (96K votes)
The battle escalates as the War Hammer Titan challenges Eren, shifting power amid Marley’s forces. The raw combat and surprises intensify the war’s devastation.
6. Attack on Titan – “Sneak Attack” (Season 4, Episode 18, 2022) – Rating: 9.8 (96K votes)
As Eren rampages, alliances fracture and crushing losses occur, pushing the conflict to new horrors. The episode’s chaos captures the series’ unrelenting intensity.
5. Attack on Titan – “Perfect Game” (Season 3, Episode 16, 2019) – Rating: 9.8 (109K votes)
The Scouts face overwhelming odds with flames and boulders raining down, forcing desperate survival tactics. This high-tension standoff showcases tactical brilliance under pressure.
4. Attack on Titan – “Two Brothers” (Season 4, Episode 19, 2022) – Rating: 9.8 (122K votes)
The warrior battle rages as another faction intervenes, escalating the clash to catastrophic levels. Familial bonds and betrayals drive the emotional core.
3. Attack on Titan – “Hero” (Season 3, Episode 17, 2019) – Rating: 9.8 (155K votes)
Erwin’s daring charge distracts the Beast Titan, allowing Levi’s assault while Armin sacrifices for the greater plan. The heroism and strategy make this a legendary moment in the series.
2. Hunter x Hunter – “Anger × and × Light” (Episode 131, 2014) – Rating: 9.9 (16K votes)
Hunter x Hunter follows Gon Freecss’ adventures in a world of Hunters, Nen powers, and dark threats like the Chimera Ants. Gon unleashes immense power against Neferpitou, overwhelming the foe as Killua races to intervene. The raw emotion and transformation highlight the series’ depth in character evolution.
1. Vinland Saga – “End of the Prologue” (Season 1, Episode 24, 2019) – Rating: 9.9 (30K votes)
Vinland Saga is a Viking-era tale of revenge, war, and the pursuit of a peaceful land, centered on Thorfinn’s turbulent life. Askeladd defies the king during a council, stunned by Wales revelations, marking a dramatic turning point. The episode’s blend of action, politics, and redemption solidifies its status as a narrative masterpiece.
These episodes span iconic series and genres, from epic battles to philosophical depths. While My Hero Academia’s entries are strong at 9.8, they don’t eclipse the 9.9 peaks, but we’ve updated to feature a recent standout for timeliness. Dive in to experience why these moments endure in anime history.
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