What is the best anime from 1988?

Akira (7.98) ranks #1 among anime from 1988 on the Anime Codex rubric, which scores each show on story, characters, themes, world, animation and cultural impact.

How are these 2 anime from 1988 ranked?

Each show is scored 1–10 on six criteria, weighted by demographic, into a single Codex score. This page lists every qualifying anime from 1988 by that score and updates as the catalogue grows.

← All years

Best anime of 1988, ranked

Every anime from 1988 in the Codex, scored on six things that actually matter and ranked by weighted score (1988–1988). 2 titles, led by Akira (7.98). Re-ranked automatically as scores change — no stale lists.

The short answer

The best anime from 1988 is Akira — 7.98 out of 10 on the Anime Codex six-criterion rubric — scored, not voted. All 2 ranked below.

7.98

Akira

1988Top: Cultural 10.0

6.54

Kiteretsu Daihyakka

1988Top: World 7.2

Related rankings

Best of 2026 Best of 2023 Best of 2022 Best of 2019 Best of 2018 Best of 2017

FAQ

What is the best anime from 1988?: Akira (7.98) ranks #1 among anime from 1988 on the Anime Codex rubric, which scores each show on story, characters, themes, world, animation and cultural impact.
How are these 2 anime from 1988 ranked?: Each show is scored 1–10 on six criteria, weighted by demographic, into a single Codex score. This page lists every qualifying anime from 1988 by that score and updates as the catalogue grows.