For example, I’m pretty sure that people watch series like Friends of The Office a minimum of 100 times over their lifetime. And anime is no different. While some shows are a one-and-done deal, others can be rewatched countless times. Let’s take a look at some of these anime that truly offer the most rewatch value.
30. Hunter x Hunter (2011)
I want to start off with Hunter x Hunter as it can be a hit or miss, depending on how much you love shounen. Even though the anime is very plot-heavy, it somehow managed to be just as fun the second or third time re-watching, just as it was when I first watched it. And I chalk this up to a few key factors; the fights are hype, the characters lovable, and the world presented is just so damn interesting. So even when you know how a certain battle is going to pan out, you can still find enjoyment in the amazing animation and realize that Kurapika brought a shovel to a death match.
29. Cautious Hero: The Hero Is Overpowered but Overly Cautious
I think this show fits in perfectly into this list. As there were honestly no surprises going in the first time because the title says it all. And yet the comedy in the show managed to hit the right mark so consistently that it never got dull. There’s only one major plot twist that you can only live through once. But honestly, once you know what it is, and it just makes rewatching the series hit a little different. If you’re fully caught up with the series I’m sure that you know what plot point I am referencing here. If not, well then check it out!
28. Samurai Champloo
Samurai Champloo just has such a cool world and such amazing music that I think it can be rewatched indefinitely. This is because what drove me personally to the show was its general aesthetic, and the love I immediately felt for the characters (and not necessarily the plot). Plus, sword battles can literally never get old. It doesn’t matter if you have seen Mugen and Jin fight a thousand times. You’ll still be impressed with their moves.
27. K-On!
The cute girls do cute things genre simply makes for great rewatch value. There aren’t any giant plot points that carry the narrative, but rather just a really lovable cast of characters that just exist in their world and make us all a little happier as a result. It never gets old. The animation is bound to hold up for years with K-On! And almost all of the tracks used in the show are pure bangers. So I honestly can’t think of a single reason not to rewatch this show.
26. The Monogatari series
The Monogatari series is just extremely clever, and every time you rewatch it you’ll probably find that one sentence or scene that foreshadowed so much that you missed the last time you watched it. Plus, most seasons of the anime are excellent on their own. If you already know the overall plot you can even jump around the timeline and relive some of the best parts of the series quicker. I personally keep going back to Bakemonogatari for some reason. And I occasionally rewatch the movie trilogy if I feel like watching something a bit more gloomy.
25. Daily Lives of Highschool Boys
Another aspect that grants any anime some truly infinite rewatch capabilities is having stand-alone episodes. You can honestly watch the episodes of Daily Lives of Highschool Boys at random and you’re still bound to enjoy the series. The show is just so chill to watch, and the jokes are just subtle enough that they can sneak up on you and make you laugh more frequently than you’re proud to admit. Even if you memorize all the jokes, it still makes for some nice slice of life content. So I would still recommend giving it a go (or, a re-go).
24. Steins;Gate
This anime kind of break the rules when it comes to rewatchability. It’s completely plot focused and the plot twists are an essential part of the viewing experience, and yet it never gets old. Maybe it’s because the show deals with time travel so we’re technically rewatching it all the time, but I loved it just as much the second time around as the first time I watched it. It’s also worth mentioning that it is an S-class show, so watching it without being entertained is a tall order no matter how you spin it.
23. Death Parade
Death Parade is just so amazing and unique conceptually that I find it really difficult to only watch it once. The series tells a bunch of different stories and has such strong ethic connotations and moral dilemmas present in each arc, that you can always leave with a new perspective. I was quite young when I first watched the series. But when I gave it another go a few months back, I realized that I disagreed with almost everything I had originally thought of the show. Plus, it has one of the best openings ever.
22. Puella Magi Madoka Magica
Madoka is one of those shows where when you watch it for the second time, it feels like a completely different show! Not to spoil anything, but there’s a rather huge plot twist that completely changes the game. So knowing that in advance and seeing how it was teased and hinted at for quite some time, even though you probably missed it the first time around, is just another level of entertainment. Plus the show is gold, so it can never get old. Right?
21. KonoSuba
KonoSuba is one of my favorite comedies. And rewatching it is like a yearly tradition for me. This is because the jokes are strong enough to make me laugh, even when I see them coming. And the character synergy just never ceases to make me smile. And since most of the humor is just based on the characters interacting with each other, it’s honestly difficult to grow tired of it. Aqua being the most useless goddess that has ever graced an isekai show will be peak entertainment for me until the day I die.
20. Naruto
When I say Naruto, I only mean the original series. And there are two main reasons why I strongly recommend it. The first reason is the fact that nostalgia will dropkick you in the heart until you can barely stand. Some of the most iconic scenes and fights are in the original Naruto: Gaara vs Lee being the most amazing one in my mind. The second reason is a bit weirder though. When you look back at the original Naruto, certain parts will suddenly seem so hilarious now that you know what happens in Shippuden and Boruto. Like seriously, watch Naruto vs Neji and try not to laugh your ass off at how wrong Naruto was at every point he made.
19. Nichijou
Nichijou has endless rewatch value because it’s so calm and cozy, and yet so absurd and weird at the same time. It never stops feeling like an amazing show. One second everyone is just chilling out and you feel all comfy, then the next there’s a talking cow biting people. Just that transition in itself always makes me come back begging for more.
18. Log Horizon
Log Horizon is in my mind the master at world building. No matter how many times I have seen isekai shows go after the MMORPG aesthetic, I still could not keep my eyes off Log Horizon. And it’s with a similar rationale that I suggest watching it more than once. The world is just so detailed, fun, interesting, and lively that I have a hard time imagining anyone getting bored of it. Even if they know how everything is going to pan out. Also, how else would you get that sweet Akatsuki material?
17. One Punch Man
One Punch Man, at least the first season, has a pretty one track plotline as it is: Monster shows up, monster messes up side characters, Saitama defeats it in one punch. And yet regardless of how many times this has happened, you always get hyped and always have a good time. One Punch Man is simply that kind of a show that you can watch indefinitely. So I don’t see why the same wouldn’t apply even if you’ve watched the entire series.
16. Spirited Away
We’re finally getting into some anime movies! Spirited Away is just such a classic that it seems like a waste not to watch it more than once. The plot in the movie honestly doesn’t even matter too much. It’s all about the beautiful, and I mean truly beautiful, world that’s coming to life in front of your eyes. And that world has no set quota. Regardless how many times you’ve already seen it, there will always be this admiration towards the craft and vision that came together in this masterpiece. It’s a Ghibli classic for a reason.
15. Assassination Classroom
This show had such a dramatic and beautiful ending that I honestly thought watching it a second time would be a disservice to the show. But nope, enjoyed it completely throughout. And when that ending scene came, even though I knew it was coming, I still balled my eyes out. I don’t know whether I’m just a wuss, or if this show somehow cracked infinite tear-jerker technology that humankind is not prepared for yet.
14. Kill la Kill
Kill la Kill just has so many strengths that it never gets old. The fights are consistently amazing throughout the show, Mako is comedy personified, the soundtrack could turn a kitten into a lion, and there’s enough fan service to get you through puberty three times over. Plus, where else can you find a show that’s as absurdly brilliant as in Kill la Kill? Aside from Promare, you have nowhere to go!
13. Barakamon
I feel like watching Barakamon annually is the best way to stay creative and not be depressed. The show is just so chill that you can always just throw it on and have a wonderful time watching the character’s antics. It’s just so warm and cheerful, you feel like you’re just dreaming of your childhood or something. Plus, the way it tackles creativity is a really good reminder for any creator not to get stuck in your ways, and to always seek out new inspiration and projects that excite you.
12. Grand Blue
In case you couldn’t tell, comedies have the best rewatch value. Grand Blue especially stands out to me because it hits a little closer to home than most slice of life or comedy anime. Why? It’s set in college, and there’s as much alcohol poisoning as there are episodes. That might sound like a weird point to make. But if you’re in college or have recently finished college and you haven’t given this gem a watch in a while, please do consider it. At the very least you’ll have some new ideas for your next frat party.
11. Hellsing Ultimate
I’ll be honest: sometimes I just want to watch people die and blood cover the screen. And no show fills that need as well as Hellsing. It’s a titan when it comes to non-nakama power shows. And whenever I feel overwhelmed by the twentieth speech about the importance of friendship, I just need to wash my eyes and ears out with a badass vampire boy battling some priests. The show has such a nice and iconic aesthetic that it alone calls for a rewatch.
10. Mob Psycho 100
This anime is such a treat for both the eyes and the heart that it just has to be on this list. Every fight in Mob Psycho is so incredibly well-executed that they always stand out, regardless of how much shounen you’ve watched in the meantime. And unlike its big brother One Punch Man, Mob has an excellent coming of age story that never quite fails to fit you right in the feels. So whether it be for the animation, the heartfelt story, or the combination of the two, I highly recommend giving this show another go.
9. Code Geass
Code Geass is without a doubt one of the best anime ever. And is one of few shows ever to both have an ending, and make that ending be incredible. So it shouldn’t be that rewatchable, right? I thought so. Until I saw one Redditor suggest rewatching the series and paying more attention to Suzaku. That tip alone made the series feel completely different, and you can honestly do the same thing for most of the main cast in the show. We focused so hard on Lelouch that a lot of subtly in the other characters went under the radar.
8. Gintama
You have to accept the fact that Gintama is not an anime, it is a religion. Therefore, paying your respects to the comedy gods at least biannually will ensure that you get into Heaven. On a more serious note, this show is so absurd and so extensive that you cannot possibly remember everything without sinking at least a few years into it. And that should of course be your goal. So go, do it now while you still have the chance.
7. Yuru Camp
Yuru Camp is nothing short of an antidepressant, and should be treated as such. Whenever you feel that dark cloud looming over you in life, quickly throw this on and the scenes of adorable girls chilling out in nature are sure to scare that pesky cloud away! As I mentioned a few times already, a good aesthetic/feel can push a show towards endless rewatchability. Mostly because the feelings it invokes inside of you are always pleasant, and always worth the time you put in.
6. Mushishi
I don’t know whether this was just in my high school, but I was constantly told that every time you read The Little Prince, it hits a little different. Well that is how I feel about Mushishi. Because it tackles such a human problem while also introducing some philosophical stuff, like the mushi literally being metaphysical. You can always come out of the show with a different viewpoint and/or appreciation for this anime, or even for your own life. Plus, since it’s episodic there are so many stories within this one series that you’ll have probably forgotten at least a couple.
5. Natsume’s Book of Friends
Basically take what I’ve said about the last two entries, and you’ll get my reasoning for this anime. There are plenty of stories within Natsume’s Book of Friends, and they all tackle rather human issues, making it a different viewing experience the older you get. And on the other hand, the show is so warm and fluffy and I just really want to cuddle with Madara. So there’s bound to be something here for you if you intend on rewatching it.
4. Little Witch Academia
I honestly just love Atsuko and would follow her to the ends of the earth. Her underdog story is just so inspiring and cute and wholesome that I never want to miss out on a second of it. So in all honestly, they could make an anime cooking show and as long as she was the protagonist, I would give it a watch. But until Little Witch Bakery becomes a reality I guess I’ll just keep rewatching this show, not that I’m complaining or anything.
3. My Neighbour Totoro
I don’t know whether I should include this one as I feel like people already religiously rewatch this movie every few years. And once again, it’s just flawless world building. Ghibli just creates such fantastic, jaw-dropping and ear-watering worlds that its effect is never truly lost on the audience. Totoro will forever be iconic. And will always convince you that flying out to rural Japan is a good idea, regardless of how many times you’ve watched this masterpiece.
2. The Disastrous Life of Saiki K.
As a skit show, this anime was basically designed to be rewatched over and over again. I mean, there are so many unique, short, and snappy storylines within Saiki K. that you’ll never be able to accurately predict what’s going to come next. Plus, the show is so laid-back and funny without even trying. It’s just a breeze to binge. Probably the only anime that I could see working perfectly with the ancient technology that is traditional cable television. And if it works for TV, you know it has that sweet rewatch value.
1. JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure
Just like Gintama, JoJo’s is a way of life. You sleep, eat, breathe, and think JoJo’s. Every scene will have you either going “Oh my God, this is the meme scene” or “Oh my God, this scene should definitely be a meme”. No matter how you spin it, JoJo’s is just so powerful that you cannot escape its grasp. And the meme stock market will be heavily in your favor if you make it a point to rewatch the show every year or so. The ball is in your corner. So are you going to be a one time watching simp, or a maximum rewatch quote-king Chad?
