10 Best Crunchyroll Original Anime Shows, Ranked

Back in 2020, Crunchyroll quietly evolved into a full-fledged production powerhouse with the Crunchyroll Originals brand, trying to compete with the likes of Netflix. However, shortly after Sony’s acquisiton in 2021, the brand was slowly phased out. That said, there are some of the shows they produced (and/or co-produced) that are unexpectedly good!

Of course, not every Crunchyroll Original is a masterpiece. Some feel experimental, others play it safe, and a few genuinely redefine what “original anime” could mean. Rather than simply listing them out as usual, we have ranked our Top 10 Crunchyroll Original anime based on how much of an impact they made on their audience, and of course, our own personal opinions on how each fared against the others.

10 Onyx Equinox

There is nothing quite like Onyx Equinox. It explores the Mesoamerican mythology, a setting that anime rarely touches and that alone makes this series unique. Onyx Equinox has an intriguing premise of a reluctant hero who unexpectedly enters into a vicious divine war; however, the execution feels different from what was anticipated.

To summarize, the show suffers from pacing issues and issues with a consistent tone. Some moments hit emotionally, while others feel rushed or underdeveloped. We feel that this series had great potential but needed more time to breathe. Even though it may not have the scale of some other entries on this list, its ambition and cultural uniqueness make it a more than worthy entry.

9 Meiji Gekken: 1874

Meiji Gekken: 1874 takes place in the midst of Japan’s transformation from pre-samurai to post-samurai era, and it tells a very grounded story with a lot of tension and political intrigue. The atmosphere is its biggest strength.

That said, it plays things a bit too safe – there are several creative concepts present within this series, which do not receive an appropriate amount of exploration. While it will keep you entertained for the time being, it will not necessarily stick with you as other entries on this list will.

8 Shenmue: The Animation

Shenmue: The Animation is a fairly simple revenge story that feels very nostalgic. This anime is not trying to reinvent the wheel, and it is refreshing to see something that has a bit more of a straightforward approach to it.

But at the same time, it lacks a standout factor. The structure is solid and laid out well, but unfortunately, it does not make it to a level where you feel something that was truly unforgettable. A good adaptation, just not a great one.

7 Dr. Ramune: Mysterious Disease Specialist

It excels at being incredibly creative and unique. Each and every episode explores bizarre illnesses that stem from human emotions, giving the anime a quirky and madly emotional experience.

Not every episode hits equally, but when it works, it really stands out. It is one of those underrated shows that could have done really well if more attention had been given to it, particularly due to its ability to mix humor with more serious themes.

6 Noblesse

There was a lot of hype around Noblesse because of its origins as a webtoon, and it does have some very nice-looking visuals with stylish characters. The primary vampire-like character is very cool, which should make it easy to watch.

The downside? It assumes that you already know the story. Thus, some plot points are just rushed. Although this series appears to have a more extensive storyline, it leaves you feeling as if the adaptation of the story has not fully materialized or met its full potential. Still, for action fans, it is a fun watch.

5 In/Spectre

The main thing that makes this one different is the lack of over-the-top action sequences; it is really focused more on dialogue and building a sense of mystery, along with psychological tension.

With that said, it does have a slow pace at times, so if you are looking for an anime series that has tons of action every single episode, this probably is not going to be for you. But if you enjoy smart writing and character-driven narratives, this is easily one of the most underrated Crunchyroll Originals.

4 Fena: Pirate Princess

At first glance, Fena: Pirate Princess looks like a guaranteed hit – beautiful animation, adventure themes, and a mysterious female lead. And for the most part, it delivers on that promise.

The early episodes are genuinely engaging, blending historical adventure with anime-style storytelling. Towards the end, the story changes to the controversial side. Some fans loved the bold direction, while others felt it undermined the entire journey. From our perspective, this is an example of a strong beginning followed by an average conclusion.

3 The God of High School

Now we are getting into the heavy hitters. The God of High School is one of the most chaotic and energetic series you will ever see! The fight scenes within this series have some of the best choreography seen in modern anime today.

But here is the catch – the pacing is insanely fast. The pace of this series is almost overwhelming, with little time allowed for the viewer to absorb significant story developments. It is almost like watching highlights instead of the full match. Even so, the animation quality alone makes it unforgettable, and honestly, that counts for a lot.

2 Tower of God

Tower of God is where Crunchyroll really started to gain credibility. The world-building within this series is huge, mysterious, and multi-layered, allowing for each level to expose new layers of intrigue and mystery as you go through this universe.

The anime adaptation simplifies some elements from the webtoon, which disappointed hardcore fans. However, it is still a good starting point for the newcomers.

1 TONIKAWA: Over the Moon for You

Sometimes, you just need a feel-good anime – and Tonikawa delivers exactly that. It is a romance that skips the usual tropes and dives straight into married life, which feels surprisingly fresh.

What makes it special is its simplicity. There is no over-the-top drama – there are just two people dealing with real life together. While it probably does not stretch the limits of this genre as much as some of the other titles, it accomplishes what it intends to accomplish extremely well. And honestly, that makes it our top pick in this list.

Share your thoughts in the comments section below and tell us which of these shows you are planning to watch next.