13 Best Original Anime That Are Not Based On A Manga!

This is our list of the 13 Best Original Anime without any source material. There are many anime series out there that are completely dependent on the source materials in the form of mangas or light novels. In fact, some anime are created for the sole purpose of boosting the sales of manga. However, there are only a few studios that dare to produce an original story.

Today, we will acknowledge these original products through our list. Therefore, we have handpicked only the best shows for you out of all the others. Thus, here is a list of the 13 Best Original Anime series that do not have source material.

1. FLCL (2000)

The first name on the list is a highly rated sci-fi anime. FLCL is classic when it comes to original anime shows. Production IG is responsible for creating this masterpiece. So, the story of FLCL follows Naota Nandaba, who is living an ordinary life until Haruka enters his life. Haruka changes the course of his life and drags him into mysterious happenings. Additionally, the anime ran for three seasons and even won the Best Animation Film award in 2003. Hence, do check out FLCL once!

2. Neon Genesis Evangelion (1995)

Another very popular original anime is the 90s show Neon Genesis Evangelion. Gainax and Tatsunoko Productions are responsible for bringing this brilliant concept. The plot is based in a futuristic world where humanity is counting its final days. As a result, the United Nations has assigned a task force to solve the matters. Here, Evangelions the only able weapons that humans possess. How will they make work of the limited weapons? So, watch the show to find out yourself.

3. Macross Frontier (2008)

So, Macross Frontier was the third addition to the already popular MF series. The creator of the show is Satelight Studios. Much like Evangelion, Macross Frontier also follows an intergalactic war between humans and an alien race. So, the protagonist Alto is a new recruit in the frontline staff. Hence, he must forge a plan to protect humanity at his best. Thus, Macross Frontier is a single-season venture which will definitely keep you at the edge of your seat.

4. Slayers (1995)

The 90s was a golden time for original anime shows. Our next name in the list is also a show from that decade. E G Films is the Studio behind this creation. The plot of Slayers revolves around an apprentice, Lina, who steals valuable objects for a living. But one day, she steals a magical object that drags her into a series of troubles. So, follow the adventures of Lina as she finds the truth behind this mysterious object. Hence, Slayers will surely intrigue you as a viewer.

5. Yuri On Ice (2016)

A very recent original anime that has become one of the most popular shows of the last five years is Yuri On Ice. Yuri is the famous ice skating face of Japan. But she has lost the initial spark for the sport now. Victor Nikiforov is her new mentor who tries his best to bring out her love for ice. MAPPA Studios brought this beautiful story to us. Thus, do watch this 12-episode saga of a rising star.

6. Samurai Champloo (2005)

Manglobe studios created this brilliant story more than a decade ago. The show takes you back to the Edo period. The protagonist duo accidentally kills a Prince. What follows is a story full of running, chasing, and hidings. Now, there is only one Samurai in the country who can help them. Samurai Champloo is definitely an engaging story, and you will end up watching all the 12 episodes in one go.

7. Terror In Resonance (2014)

Another addition from MAPPA Studios to our list is the 2014 show Terror In Resonance. This 11-episode story follows the aftermath of a terror attack in Tokyo. What follows is a game between the terror group and the authorities. Much like the back and forth between Kira and Police in Death Note, it also gives you the same vibes. Terror In Resonance is a compelling story that deals with the themes of the horrors of war. It is amongst the best original anime that will never be forgotten even after years.

8. ID Invaded (2020)

Anime ID Invaded is a pretty recent show that was brought to us by Studio NAZ. The plot divides into 13 episodes. ID Invaded revolves around a murder investigation. The detective’s own daughter was brutally murdered in strange circumstances. Now, he must find the criminal and take revenge for the loss of his daughter. Hence, IDI will become one of your favorite shows.

9. Active Raid (2016)

A collaboration by Production IMS and Orange Studios brings an amazing concept in the form of Active Raid. This single-season venture deals with the themes of crime and drama. A new technology enters the Japanese towns to control the number of crimes. The story centers around one of the units responsible for handling this new technology- Unit 8. So, Active Raid is a unique experiment in anime which you should visit at least once.

10. Cowboy Bebop (1998)

Anime Cowboy Bebop is a classic anime of all time. The Sunrise Studios are behind this amazing anime. Much like Active Raid, this one also deals with the rising crimes of a city. Here, the people responsible for catching criminals are cowboys. Protagonist Spike must become a high-ranking cowboy in order to earn more rewards. Thus, this one is a truely adventurous story that you should miss at no cost.

11. Ergo Proxy (2006)

A Manglobe studios creation that hit the world in 2006 was Ergo Proxy. This anime deals with a war between humans and androids who used to live together peacefully. But the androids get corrupted by the thought of being a superior race. Henceforth, humans must yearn for their survival. Ergo Proxy has some of the best visuals you will ever see in anime. So, do watch this one as it is one of the best original anime of all time.

12. Psycho Pass (2012)

A Production IG creation that became an instant hit with the first season itself was Psycho-Pass. The story is set in a futuristic Japan where everyone must go through a mental check-up to define if they can be potential criminals. Much like Death Note, here, too, the lines of justice are blurry and unclear. So, do watch this show as the government and the protagonist clash at the ideas of justice.

13. Carole & Tuesday (2019)

Anime Carole & Tuesday is a pretty recent addition to the list of original shows. The production of the show is done by Studio Bones. The titular characters, Carole and Tuesday, are passionate about music, and they are fed up with the AI tracks that are out there. Hence, they both decide to show the world what real and organic music really is. Thus, Carole & Tuesday is a beautiful story that you will not regret watching.

So, with Carole & Tuesday, we can conclude our list of the 13 Best Original Anime with no source material. Hence, we hope that this list will help in deciding your next binge. For more such listicles, keep visiting The Anime Daily.