Best anime of 2008 — top 52 ranked

The best anime that premiered in 2008, ranked by MyAnimeList user score. Clannad: After Story leads with a score of 8.93, followed by Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion R2 and The Garden of Sinners Chapter 5: Paradox Spiral. The 52 titles below average 7.96/10 and are drawn from MyAnimeList's top 2,000.

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  1. 1 Clannad: After Story poster

    Clannad: After Story

    TV · 24 eps · Fall 2008 · Kyoto Animation
    DramaRomance
    ★ 8.93
    1.3M members
    #18 on MAL
  2. 2 Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion R2 poster

    Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion R2

    Code Geass: Hangyaku no Lelouch R2
    TV · 25 eps · Spring 2008 · Sunrise
    Award WinningDramaMechaMilitarySci-Fi
    ★ 8.92
    2M members
    #22 on MAL
  3. 3 The Garden of Sinners Chapter 5: Paradox Spiral poster

    The Garden of Sinners Chapter 5: Paradox Spiral

    Kara no Kyoukai Movie 5: Mujun Rasen
    Movie · 1 ep · Summer 2008 · ufotable
    ActionDramaFantasyMysteryRomance
    ★ 8.50
    256.8K members
    #168 on MAL
  4. 4 Aria the Origination poster

    Aria the Origination

    TV · 13 eps · Winter 2008 · HAL Film Maker
    IyashikeiSci-FiShounenSlice of Life
    ★ 8.48
    144.4K members
    #175 on MAL
  5. 5 Gintama: Jump Festa 2008 Special poster

    Gintama: Jump Festa 2008 Special

    Gintama: Shiroyasha Koutan
    Special · 1 ep · Summer 2008 · Sunrise
    ActionComedyHistoricalParodySci-Fi
    ★ 8.36
    76.6K members
    #273 on MAL
  6. 6 One Outs poster

    One Outs

    TV · 25 eps · Fall 2008 · Madhouse
    Adult CastPsychologicalSeinenSportsSuspense
    ★ 8.32
    260.7K members
    #314 on MAL
  7. 7 Natsume's Book of Friends poster

    Natsume's Book of Friends

    Natsume Yuujinchou
    TV · 13 eps · Summer 2008 · Brain's Base
    IyashikeiMythologyShoujoSlice of LifeSupernatural
    ★ 8.30
    596.7K members
    #333 on MAL
  8. 8 Spice and Wolf poster

    Spice and Wolf

    Ookami to Koushinryou
    TV · 13 eps · Winter 2008 · Imagin
    Adult CastAdventureDramaRomanceSupernatural
    ★ 8.21
    881.9K members
    #442 on MAL
  9. 9 xxxHOLiC◆Kei poster

    xxxHOLiC◆Kei

    TV · 13 eps · Spring 2008 · Production I.G
    ComedyDramaMysterySeinenSupernatural
    ★ 8.20
    157.7K members
    #462 on MAL
  10. 10 Gurren Lagann The Movie: Childhood's End poster

    Gurren Lagann The Movie: Childhood's End

    Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann Movie 1: Gurren-hen
    Movie · 1 ep · Summer 2008 · Gainax
    MechaSci-Fi
    ★ 8.19
    196.1K members
    #479 on MAL
  11. 11 Major S4 poster

    Major S4

    TV · 26 eps · Winter 2008 · SynergySP
    ShounenSportsTeam Sports
    ★ 8.18
    70.2K members
    #495 on MAL
  12. 12 Kaiba poster

    Kaiba

    TV · 12 eps · Spring 2008 · Madhouse
    AdventureAvant GardeAward WinningMysteryPsychological
    ★ 8.14
    185.5K members
    #544 on MAL
  13. 13 Nodame Cantabile: Paris-hen poster

    Nodame Cantabile: Paris-hen

    TV · 11 eps · Fall 2008 · J.C.Staff
    Adult CastComedyJoseiMusicPerforming Arts
    ★ 8.13
    131.6K members
    #568 on MAL
  14. 14 Detroit Metal City poster

    Detroit Metal City

    OVA · 12 eps · Summer 2008 · Studio 4°C
    Adult CastComedyGag HumorMusicParody
    ★ 8.08
    227K members
    #633 on MAL
  15. 15 Baccano! Specials poster

    Baccano! Specials

    Special · 3 eps · Winter 2008 · Brain's Base
    ActionAdult CastHistoricalMysteryOrganized Crime
    ★ 8.07
    188.5K members
    #655 on MAL
  16. 16 Mobile Suit Gundam 00: Second Season poster

    Mobile Suit Gundam 00: Second Season

    Kidou Senshi Gundam 00 Second Season
    TV · 25 eps · Fall 2008 · Sunrise
    DramaMechaMilitarySci-FiSpace
    ★ 8.07
    163.5K members
    #660 on MAL
  17. 17 Skip Beat! poster

    Skip Beat!

    TV · 25 eps · Fall 2008 · HAL Film Maker
    ComedyDramaLove PolygonRomanceShoujo
    ★ 8.07
    290.4K members
    #664 on MAL
  18. 18 Toradora! poster

    Toradora!

    TV · 25 eps · Fall 2008 · J.C.Staff
    DramaLove PolygonRomanceSchool
    ★ 8.03
    2.4M members
    #734 on MAL
  19. 19 The Garden of Sinners Chapter 3: Remaining Sense of Pain poster

    The Garden of Sinners Chapter 3: Remaining Sense of Pain

    Kara no Kyoukai Movie 3: Tsuukaku Zanryuu
    Movie · 1 ep · Winter 2008 · ufotable
    ActionDramaFantasyMysterySuspense
    ★ 8.00
    246K members
    #769 on MAL
  20. 20 La Maison en Petits Cubes poster

    La Maison en Petits Cubes

    Tsumiki no Ie
    Movie · 1 ep · Spring 2008 · Oh! Production
    Award WinningDrama
    ★ 7.99
    102.4K members
    #790 on MAL
  21. 21 ef - a tale of melodies. poster

    ef - a tale of melodies.

    ef: A Tale of Melodies.
    TV · 12 eps · Fall 2008 · Shaft
    DramaMysteryRomanceSupernatural
    ★ 7.98
    171.8K members
    #795 on MAL
  22. 22 Time of Eve poster

    Time of Eve

    Eve no Jikan
    ONA · 6 eps · Summer 2008 · Studio Rikka
    Sci-FiSlice of Life
    ★ 7.97
    198.1K members
    #812 on MAL
  23. 23 Ponyo poster

    Ponyo

    Gake no Ue no Ponyo
    Movie · 1 ep · Summer 2008 · Studio Ghibli
    AdventureAward WinningFantasy
    ★ 7.97
    669.5K members
    #813 on MAL
  24. 24 Ghost in the Shell 2.0 poster

    Ghost in the Shell 2.0

    Koukaku Kidoutai 2.0
    Movie · 1 ep · Summer 2008 · Production I.G
    Adult CastDetectiveMechaMysteryPsychological
    ★ 7.96
    95.5K members
    #837 on MAL
  25. 25 Major Movie: Yuujou no Winning Shot poster

    Major Movie: Yuujou no Winning Shot

    Movie · 1 ep · Fall 2008 · Xebec
    ShounenSportsTeam Sports
    ★ 7.95
    22.5K members
    #857 on MAL
  26. 26 The Prince of Tennis: The National Tournament Finals poster

    The Prince of Tennis: The National Tournament Finals

    Tennis no Oujisama: Zenkoku Taikai-hen - Final
    OVA · 7 eps · Spring 2008 · M.S.C
    ShounenSports
    ★ 7.95
    39.6K members
    #859 on MAL
  27. 27 Aria the Origination Episode 5.5: That Little Secret Place… poster

    Aria the Origination Episode 5.5: That Little Secret Place…

    Aria the Origination: Sono Choppiri Himitsu no Basho ni...
    Special · 1 ep · Spring 2008 · HAL Film Maker
    IyashikeiShounenSlice of Life
    ★ 7.94
    24.1K members
    #861 on MAL
  28. 28 Clannad: Another World, Tomoyo Chapter poster

    Clannad: Another World, Tomoyo Chapter

    Clannad: Mou Hitotsu no Sekai, Tomoyo-hen
    Special · 1 ep · Summer 2008 · Kyoto Animation
    DramaRomanceSchool
    ★ 7.93
    323.5K members
    #878 on MAL
  29. 29 Zoku Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei poster

    Zoku Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei

    TV · 13 eps · Winter 2008 · Shaft
    ComedyGag HumorParodySchoolShounen
    ★ 7.89
    141.8K members
    #984 on MAL
  30. 30 Macross Frontier poster

    Macross Frontier

    Macross F
    TV · 25 eps · Spring 2008 · Satelight
    Award WinningMechaMilitaryMusicRomance
    ★ 7.88
    157.7K members
    #992 on MAL
  31. 31 Soul Eater poster

    Soul Eater

    TV · 51 eps · Spring 2008 · Bones
    ActionComedyFantasySchoolShounen
    ★ 7.86
    1.8M members
    #1,053 on MAL
  32. 32 Hidamari Sketch x 365 poster

    Hidamari Sketch x 365

    TV · 13 eps · Summer 2008 · Shaft
    CGDCTIyashikeiSchoolSlice of LifeVisual Arts
    ★ 7.85
    47.5K members
    #1,059 on MAL
  33. 33 Michiko & Hatchin poster

    Michiko & Hatchin

    Michiko to Hatchin
    TV · 22 eps · Fall 2008 · Manglobe
    ActionAdventure
    ★ 7.83
    227K members
    #1,109 on MAL
  34. 34 The Garden of Sinners Chapter 4: The Hollow Shrine poster

    The Garden of Sinners Chapter 4: The Hollow Shrine

    Kara no Kyoukai Movie 4: Garan no Dou
    Movie · 1 ep · Spring 2008 · ufotable
    ActionFantasyMysterySuspenseUrban Fantasy
    ★ 7.81
    242.9K members
    #1,161 on MAL
  35. 35 Lucky☆Star OVA poster

    Lucky☆Star OVA

    Lucky☆Star: Original na Visual to Animation
    OVA · 1 ep · Summer 2008 · Kyoto Animation
    CGDCTComedySchoolVideo Game
    ★ 7.81
    154.3K members
    #1,164 on MAL
  36. 36 Goodbye Mr. Despair OAD poster

    Goodbye Mr. Despair OAD

    Goku Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei
    OVA · 3 eps · Fall 2008 · Shaft
    ComedyGag HumorParodySchoolShounen
    ★ 7.80
    80.1K members
    #1,186 on MAL
  37. 37 My Bride is a Mermaid OVA poster

    My Bride is a Mermaid OVA

    Seto no Hanayome OVA
    OVA · 2 eps · Fall 2008 · Gonzo
    ComedyOrganized CrimeParodyRomanceSchool
    ★ 7.80
    56.6K members
    #1,198 on MAL
  38. 38 Inazuma Eleven poster

    Inazuma Eleven

    TV · 127 eps · Fall 2008 · OLM
    SportsSuper PowerTeam Sports
    ★ 7.78
    245.2K members
    #1,239 on MAL
  39. 39 Detective Conan Movie 12: Full Score of Fear poster

    Detective Conan Movie 12: Full Score of Fear

    Meitantei Conan Movie 12: Senritsu no Full Score
    Movie · 1 ep · Spring 2008 · TMS Entertainment
    AdventureComedyDetectiveMysteryShounen
    ★ 7.78
    52.5K members
    #1,248 on MAL
  40. 40 Tentai Senshi Sunred poster

    Tentai Senshi Sunred

    TV · 26 eps · Fall 2008 · AIC ASTA
    ComedyGag HumorParodySeinenSuper Power
    ★ 7.74
    23.5K members
    #1,376 on MAL
  41. 41 InuYasha: Kuroi Tessaiga poster

    InuYasha: Kuroi Tessaiga

    Special · 1 ep · Summer 2008 · Sunrise
    ActionAdventureFantasyHistoricalMythology
    ★ 7.72
    40.3K members
    #1,413 on MAL
  42. 42 Kyou kara Maou! 3rd Series poster

    Kyou kara Maou! 3rd Series

    TV · 39 eps · Spring 2008 · Studio Deen
    AdventureComedyFantasyIsekaiShoujo
    ★ 7.72
    38.2K members
    #1,418 on MAL
  43. 43 Chi's Sweet Home poster

    Chi's Sweet Home

    TV · 104 eps · Spring 2008 · Madhouse
    PetsSeinenSlice of Life
    ★ 7.68
    69.2K members
    #1,532 on MAL
  44. 44 Junjo Romantica 2 poster

    Junjo Romantica 2

    Junjou Romantica 2
    TV · 12 eps · Fall 2008 · Studio Deen
    Adult CastBoys LoveComedyDrama
    ★ 7.66
    190K members
    #1,590 on MAL
  45. 45 Black Butler poster

    Black Butler

    Kuroshitsuji
    TV · 24 eps · Fall 2008 · A-1 Pictures
    ActionHistoricalMysteryMythologyShounen
    ★ 7.65
    1.3M members
    #1,628 on MAL
  46. 46 Xam'd: Lost Memories poster

    Xam'd: Lost Memories

    Bounen no Xamdou
    ONA · 26 eps · Summer 2008 · Bones
    ActionAdventureFantasyMilitarySci-Fi
    ★ 7.62
    154.9K members
    #1,714 on MAL
  47. 47 Hell Girl: Three Vessels poster

    Hell Girl: Three Vessels

    Jigoku Shoujo Mitsuganae
    TV · 26 eps · Fall 2008 · Studio Deen
    HorrorMysteryPsychologicalSupernaturalSuspense
    ★ 7.61
    109.1K members
    #1,757 on MAL
  48. 48 Saint Seiya: The Hades Chapter - Elysion poster

    Saint Seiya: The Hades Chapter - Elysion

    Saint Seiya: Meiou Hades Elysion-hen
    OVA · 6 eps · Winter 2008 · Toei Animation
    ActionAdventureFantasyMythologySci-Fi
    ★ 7.60
    45.3K members
    #1,813 on MAL
  49. 49 Doraemon the Movie: Nobita and the Green Giant Legend poster

    Doraemon the Movie: Nobita and the Green Giant Legend

    Doraemon Movie 28: Nobita to Midori no Kyojin Den
    Movie · 1 ep · Winter 2008 · Shin-Ei Animation
    AdventureComedyFantasyKidsShounen
    ★ 7.59
    15.4K members
    #1,829 on MAL
  50. 50 Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion Special Edition - Black Rebellion poster

    Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion Special Edition - Black Rebellion

    Code Geass: Hangyaku no Lelouch Special Edition - Black Rebellion
    OVA · 1 ep · Winter 2008 · Sunrise
    MechaMilitarySchoolSci-FiSuper Power
    ★ 7.57
    45K members
    #1,915 on MAL
  51. 51 Ga-Rei-Zero poster

    Ga-Rei-Zero

    Ga-Rei: Zero
    TV · 12 eps · Fall 2008 · AIC Spirits
    ActionGoreShounenSuper PowerSupernatural
    ★ 7.56
    255.6K members
    #1,952 on MAL
  52. 52 Golgo 13 poster

    Golgo 13

    Golgo 13 (TV)
    TV · 50 eps · Spring 2008 · The Answer Studio
    ActionAdult CastAdventureDramaSeinen
    ★ 7.55
    47.9K members
    #1,997 on MAL

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