Epic Journeys: 10 Adventure-Filled Anime Series for Your Bucket List

"Hunter x Hunter" (2011-2014)

Right out of the gate, we plunge headfirst into the world of "Hunter x Hunter", a series that expertly mixes childlike wonder with real-world brutality. Here, our spiky-haired protagonist Gon embarks on an adventure to become a Hunter and find his absentee father, who also happens to be one of the world's best Hunters. It's like 'Take Your Child to Work Day', but with deadly creatures, power-ups, and a fight-to-the-death Hunter Exam. The show managed to create a universe so intricate and enthralling that you forget it's essentially about a young boy looking for his dad. If you're still skeptical, its stellar 90% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes might tip the scales in its favor.

"Made in Abyss" (2017-present)

"Made in Abyss" may look like a charming children's show on the surface, but don't be fooled. This series plunges you into the mysterious Abyss, a colossal pit filled with strange creatures and treacherous terrains, alongside our brave protagonists, Riko and her robot friend Reg. The catch? The deeper they go, the harder it is to return. It's like Dante's Inferno but for kids! This one may have slipped under your radar, but its gripping narrative and beautiful art earned it a dedicated fanbase and a solid 8,4/10 rating on imdb.

"Mushishi" (2005-2006; 2014-2015)

Imagine a world where life's phenomena are caused by ethereal organisms known as "mushi". That's the premise of "Mushishi", a series that isn't your typical adrenaline-fueled adventure. Instead, it lures you into a journey filled with wonder, mystery, and the occasional eerie chill. Our protagonist, Ginko, is a 'mushishi' who studies these creatures and aids people suffering from mushi-related problems. It's like a vet call-out, but for supernatural problems. Each episode offers a self-contained story, making it a refreshing watch amidst the sea of long-running series.

"Kino's Journey: The Beautiful World" (2003; 2017)

If you're fond of philosophical questions wrapped in captivating narratives, then "Kino's Journey" is a perfect match. The series follows the nomadic Kino and her talking motorcycle Hermes as they travel through various countries, each with its unique customs and rules. The only catch? They can't stay in one place for more than three days. Imagine having the worst case of travel bug, combined with a motor-mouth motorcycle.

"Spice and Wolf" (2008-2009)

How about an adventure in medieval economics with a side of wolf deity? Meet "Spice and Wolf", a series that deftly weaves complex economic concepts into an engaging story of a traveling merchant, Kraft Lawrence, and his unexpected companion, Holo, a wolf goddess. This isn't your typical swords-and-dragons adventure, but a smartly crafted tale of trade, barter, and fluctuating market prices. The charm of "Spice and Wolf" lies in its clever dialogues, rich historical setting, and the budding romance between the two protagonists.

"Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit" (2007)

"Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit" is a series that delivers not just action-packed sequences but also a deep, moving storyline. The story revolves around Balsa, a wandering warrior, hired to protect Prince Chagum who carries a water spirit that could destroy his kingdom. It's a heart-racing, spear-wielding adventure that delves into themes of duty, honor, and the cost of survival. "Moribito" may not have a mainstream following, but it offers a fulfilling journey.

"Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood" (2009-2012)

"Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood" takes the cake and eats it too, when it comes to blending the fantastical with the philosophical. It's not every day you find a show about alchemy, government conspiracies, and the existential crisis of artificial humans. But, hey, we're talking about anime here. The series follows two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, on their quest to find the Philosopher's Stone to restore their bodies after a disastrous failed spell. A tip for new watchers, don't get too attached to the characters. This series, despite its cartoonish charm, isn't afraid to pull the rug out from under you.

"One Piece " (1999-present)

Anchors aweigh! We're setting sail with "One Piece", a juggernaut in the anime world. Here, Monkey D. Luffy and his ragtag group of pirates sail across the high seas, battling marine officers, rival pirates, and their own outrageous appetites, in search of the ultimate treasure, the One Piece. This is a series where a reindeer can be a doctor and an anthropomorphic shark can be a swordsman. It's wild, it's adventurous, and it's overflowing with over 1000 episodes of pure, unadulterated fun. And let's not forget, it's got a solid 87% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

"Naruto " (2002-2007) and "Naruto: Shippuden" (2007-2017)

No adventure list would be complete without a shoutout to the spunky, ramen-loving ninja, Naruto Uzumaki. Through "Naruto" and its sequel series "Naruto: Shippuden", we see Naruto grow from an impulsive, mischievous kid to a young man carrying the weight of his village on his shoulders. It's a tale of friendship, perseverance, and a whole lot of hand signs. Fun fact: Naruto's favorite ramen shop, Ichiraku, is based on a real ramen shop in the city of Fukuoka, Japan where the creator Masashi Kishimoto went to art school.

"Fairy Tail" (2009-2019)

Say it with me, "We're all about that guild life". In "Fairy Tail", we delve into a world where magic is as common as morning coffee, and wizard guilds take on jobs for a living. The series follows a celestial wizard Lucy Heartfilia after she joins the Fairy Tail Guild and teams up with Natsu Dragneel, who's searching for the Dragon Igneel. It's a rollercoaster of epic battles, powerful friendships, and of course, a healthy dose of comic relief. The show doesn't shy away from emotional moments, often proving that the greatest magic of all is, well, friendship.