10 anime classics and where to stream them today

As we celebrate the Philippines-Japan Friendship Month this July, GMA News Online looks back at the anime series that has made an impact on Philippine culture.

From the nostalgic "anime sa hapon" to the cult classics, here are titles to revisit and where to stream them:

One Piece

Undoubtedly one of the biggest — if not the biggest — anime series of all time, "One Piece" is a grand adventure waiting to be embarked on.

Based on the long-running manga by Eiichiro Oda, the story follows Monkey D. Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates in their search for the ultimate treasure, the One Piece.

The original anime first came out in 1999. A reboot by Netflix is set to premiere in 2027.

• Where to stream: Netflix, Crunchyroll
• Seasons: 22 (unofficial)
• Episodes: 1,168 (ongoing)

Bleach

Another one in the Big Three, "Bleach" is a well-loved anime series that first aired in 2004. The original series concluded in 2012, but it made a comeback after a decade with "Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War."

"Bleach" follows Ichigo Kurosaki, who was born with the ability to see ghosts, as he becomes a Soul Reaper.

In "Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War," Ichigo returns to the battlefield, continuing the adventure for four more seasons, with the final season set for 2026.

• Where to stream: Netflix, Disney+
• Seasons: 16
• Episodes: 366

Naruto

Naruto Uzumaki may or may not be the hero of your childhood, but there's no arguing that he's left his mark.

"Naruto," which follows the outcast ninja on his quest to becoming the leader of his village, ran from 1999 to 2014.

It is based on the manga by Masashi Kishimoto, and is widely considered part of the Big Three anime shows, along with "One Piece" and "Bleach."

It has two sequels, "Naruto: Shippuden" and "Boruto," the latter of which follows Naruto's son and his own ninja adventures.

• Where to stream: Netflix, Crunchyroll
• Seasons: 5 (Japanese version)
• Episodes: 220

Cowboy Bebop

Who doesn't like space cowboys?

"Cowboy Bebop" may not be a mainstream hit, but it's a cult classic with a following.

The neo-noir space anime series only aired from 1998 to 1999 but it was a success in both Japanese and international markets.

Created by Hajime Yatae, the story is set in 2071 and follows a group of bounty hunters working from the spaceship Bebop.

• Where to stream: Netflix
• Seasons: 1
• Episodes: 26

Death Note

You miss out on a lot of references if you miss out on "Death Note." The deadly notebook full of names? The hulking god looming over Light's shoulder? Ring a bell?

"Death Note" follows Light Yagami, who finds a mysterious notebook that grants him the power to kill those whose names he writes down in it. The notebook belonged to the shinigami named Ryuk

The anime is based on the manga written by Tsugumi Ohba and illustrated by Takeshi Obata. The show ran from 2006 to 2007.

• Where to stream: Netflix
• Seasons: 1
• Episodes: 37

Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion

To this day, Lelouch is the very definition of a compelling and complex MC. An exiled prince, he obtains the "Geass," the power of absolute obedience.

Combined with his sharp intellect, Lelouch uses Geass to lead a rebellion against the rule of the authoritarian Holy Britannian Empire.

"Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion" ran from 2006 to 2007.

• Where to stream: Crunchyroll
• Seasons: 2
• Episodes: 50

Neon Genesis Evangelion

If we're talking about classics, we can't skip "Neon Genesis Evangelion."

The series debuted to critical acclaim in 1997, cementing its name as one of the greatest anime of all time. Set in a dystopian 2015, the story follows Shinji Ikari, recruited by his father to pilot the mecha called Evangelion.

If it sounds like "Pacific Rim," you're not the only to think so. It's no secret that the groundbreaking "Neon Genesis Evangelion," with its futuristic and mecha elements, inspired many that came after it.

• Where to stream: Netflix
• Seasons: 1
• Episodes: 26

Sailor Moon

From 1992 to 1997, Sailor Moon brightened up television screens with her bright blonde pigtails and sparkly magic.

Based on the manga by Naoko Takeuchi, the story follows Usagi Tsukino, who learns she is the reincarnation of the princess Sailor Moon. She is joined by reincarnations of Sailor Mercury, Sailor Mars, Sailor Jupiter, and Sailor Venus.

In 2013, a new anime titled "Sailor Moon Crystal" was released as part of the franchise's 20th anniversary celebrations.

• Where to stream: Disney+
• Seasons: 5
• Episodes: 200

Hunter x Hunter

Multiple hiatuses aside, fans are still eager to see more of "Hunter x Hunter."

The story follows Gon, a Hunter who wants to follow in his father's footsteps.

It is based on the manga by Yoshihiro Togashi, which has been serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump since 1998. Since 2006, the mangaka has taken several breaks.

• Where to stream: Netflix, Crunchyroll
• Seasons:
• Episodes:

Dragon Ball

Is there a move more iconic than Goku's Kamehame Wave?

Created by Akira Toriyama in 1984, "Dragon Ball" follows the adventures of Son Goku, whose journey begins with a quest to collect seven Dragon Balls.

The anime's story continues in "Dragon Ball Z," which ran from 1989 to 1996.

• Where to stream: Crunchyroll
• Seasons: 1
• Episodes: 153

—JCB, GMA News