For many anime fans, Toonami served as the gateway into the medium, introducing countless series to new generations. Since its introduction as a programming block in 1997, it has grown into a staple of audiences’ nightly lineup. Many of the series Toonami has shared over the years are among anime’s most iconic titles.
For nearly three decades, Toonami’s anime lineup stood as one of the most iconic. Many of these titles earned their place in anime history as some of the most unforgettable, impactful, and thrilling. Even today, many of these titles continue to influence creators and fans alike through their remarkable stories and memorable characters.
My Hero Academia
My Hero Academia centers on Izuku Midoriya, a young boy who was born without a quirk in a world where the vast majority of the population possesses a unique special ability. Despite this, he dreams of becoming a hero, and his life takes a drastic turn upon his first meeting with the world’s most powerful hero, All Might.
He inherits the power of One For All and enrolls at U.A. High, a school dedicated to training the next generation of heroes. The series is known for its stunning animation, rewarding character arcs, and thrilling narratives. My Hero Academia can be streamed on Crunchyroll or Hulu, with its first two seasons available on Netflix as well.
Sailor Moon
Sailor Moon follows Usagi Tsukino, an ordinary schoolgirl who’s known for her clumsiness and carefree nature. One day, she comes across Luna, a talking cat who awakens her power as Sailor Moon, changing the course of her life forever as she takes on the responsibility of defending Earth from dark forces.
Although she is reluctant at first, Usagi grows into her role, becoming a confident leader and working alongside her fellow Sailor Guardians to protect the world while navigating their daily life. Sailor Moon is known for its role in popularizing anime in the West and redefining the magical girl genre, influencing generations of fans and creators.
With its themes of empowerment and love, Sailor Moon is a beloved staple in the anime industry and remains one of the most popular anime ever created. The original 1992 series can be watched on Hulu, and its reboot, Sailor Moon Crystal, can be watched on Crunchyroll, Netflix, and Hulu.
Inuyasha
Inuyasha follows Kagome Higurashi, a modern-day schoolgirl who is unexpectedly transported to Japan’s feudal era. There she finds the half-demon Inuyasha and discovers she is the reincarnation of a powerful priestess tied to the Shikon Jewel. When the jewel shatters across the land, she teams up with Inuyasha to gather the fragments before they fall into the wrong hands.
The series is largely episodic with an overarching story that ties the plot together. Created by Rumiko Takahashi, the author behind hit series Ranma 1/2 and Urusei Yatsura, Inuyasha stands out as a hit classic that captured the hearts of millions worldwide. With its action, lore, and romance, it became one of the most iconic anime of its time.
For anime fans of all ages, the series has something to offer everyone. Packed with humor, rivalries, and unique characters, Inuyasha stands out as a Toonami favoriteand is available to stream on Netflix and Hulu.
Hunter x Hunter
Hunter x Hunter follows Gon Freecss, a lively young boy who learns that his missing father is a legendary Hunter. Motivated and eager to find him, Gon begins the Hunter exam, embarking on a journey full of obstacles and secrets. Gon works toward his goals alongside his new friends, Killua, Kurapika, and Leorio, each with their own reasons and ambitions.
The series grows from a simple adventure into a larger story that doesn’t shy away from darker, more psychological themes. Created by Yoshihiro Togashi, the creator behind the hit series Yu Yu Hakusho, another series that dominated Toonami, Hunter x Hunter pushes the boundaries of what shōnen can achieve, crafting a narrative that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats.
Hunter x Hunter is universally praised for its writing and character depth, offering moments of humor alongside powerful emotional depth. From its pacing to its storytelling approach, the anime stands out as a unique entry among shōnen titles. The 2011 reboot is available to watch on Hulu, Netflix, and Crunchyroll.
Demon Slayer
Demon Slayer follows Tanjiro Kamado, a kindhearted boy whose peaceful life with his family is suddenly shattered when they are slaughtered by demons, leaving his sister, Nezuko, as the sole survivor. However, she is transformed into a demon herself, yet retains traces of her humanity. To cure her and avenge his family, Tanjiro joins the Demon Slayer Corps.
The series is one of the most popular and influential modern anime, with its latest installment, Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Part 1, breaking numerous records worldwide. It has become one of the highest-grossing films of 2025, cementing the series’ place in anime history, and some believe that its theatrical release in China could make it the first billion-dollar anime.
Best known for its stunning animation and emotionally resonant storytelling, Demon Slayer has rightfully become a global sensation. Each season raised the bar for what audiences can expect from major titles. Tanjiro’s story can be watched on Hulu, Netflix, and Crunchyroll, making it widely accessible to many.
Attack on Titan
Attack on Titan centers on Eren Yeager, a young boy living in a world where humanity exists on the brink of extinction. Confined within massive walls to protect themselves from towering man-eating Titans, Eren and his friends, Mikasa and Armin, dream of exploring the outside world until a Titan breaks through the walls, destroying their home and killing Eren’s mother.
Vowing to eradicate every Titan in existence, the trio joins the Survey Corps only to discover that everything they thought was true is part of a much larger conflict. Best known for its exploration of morality and the cost of hatred and war, Attack on Titan achieved global acclaim and redefined shōnen storytelling.
Filled with complex worldbuilding, tension, layered characters, cinematic action sequences, and stunning visuals, Attack on Titan has grown to become a modern anime icon, achieving something that few other series can. The anime can be streamed on Hulu and Crunchyroll.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood follows Edward and Alphonse Elric, brothers who search for the Philosopher’s Stone in order to restore their bodies after an experiment involving human transmutation goes wrong. Along the way, the two find that their country hides greater secrets than they ever could have imagined, affecting and threatening the lives of their entire nation.
The series is best known for its philosophical depth and exploration of sacrifice, morality, and the consequences of choice. With masterful pacing and a well-balanced storyline, it delivered a powerful and satisfying experience that fans won’t forget. It can be watched on Netflix, Crunchyroll, or Hulu.
Naruto
Naruto centers on the titular character, Naruto Uzumaki, a spirited young ninja who is ostracized by his village for harboring a powerful, sealed beast within him. Rather than succumbing to despair, Naruto becomes determined to earn respect and recognition by aiming to become the next Hokage, the village’s leader.
Alongside his friends and under the guidance of his mentors, he trains relentlessly to become the best ninja he can be. Filled with action, humor, and unforgettable moments, the series stands as one of the best in shōnen. Both Naruto and Naruto: Shippuden, the series’s direct continuation, can be streamed on Hulu, Crunchyroll, or Netflix.
One Piece
One Piece follows Monkey D. Luffy, a passionate young pirate aiming to find the legendary treasure, the One Piece, and achieve the title of Pirate King. Having consumed a Devil Fruit in his youth, he has developed a stretchy, durable, rubber-like body, which gives him an advantage in battles as he and the Straw Hats travel the Grand Line.
Created by Eiichiro Oda, the series has remained ongoing since its manga debut in 1997. Known for its humor, epic battles, and heartfelt storytelling, the series is one of the most influential, inspiring countless fans and creators across generations and around the world. The series can be watched on Hulu, Netflix, and Crunchyroll.
Dragon Ball Z
Dragon Ball Z picks up where the original Dragon Ball left off, centering on Goku, a Saiyan warrior from Earth, as he takes on increasingly powerful threats alongside his friends and newfound allies he makes along the way. Filled with humor, epic battles, legendary transformation, and influential rivalries, the series is a cornerstone of shōnen storytelling.
Created by Akira Toriyama, the series is widely praised for its memorable, fun characters, world-building, and themes of friendship, hard work, and perseverance. The series can only be watched on Crunchyroll; however, Hulu and Netflix host other installments in the franchise, including Dragon Ball Super and Dragon Ball Daima.
