Over the course of more than a decade, Attack on Titan has grown into one of the most beloved and culturally impactful anime series of all time. Blending intense action, political intrigue, moral ambiguity, and deep philosophical themes, it transcends genre conventions. With a sprawling timeline, rich character arcs, and massive twists that redefine the story repeatedly, Attack on Titan leaves viewers stunned season after season. But not all parts of this epic saga are created equal. While some seasons delivered edge-of-your-seat storytelling and gut-wrenching emotional stakes, others faltered in pacing or lacked the punch of their predecessors.

This franchise, however, was split into many different seasons and OVAs in the Attack on Titan anime series. From origin stories to shocking finales, each installment brings something different to the table. Whether fans are new and wondering where to start or a long-time viewer reflecting on the journey, each season and special of Attack on Titan is worth watching and amazing in of impact, storytelling, animation, and legacy, but some are better than others.

There is a spin-off series titled Attack on Titan: Junior High that is not included in this ranking because it is a comedy alternate universe and not a part of the canonical Attack on Titan timeline.

10 Attack on Titan OVA

Lighter Tales and Hidden Depths Between the Battles

The collection of Attack on Titan OVAs includes side stories that range from humorous to enlightening. Some episodes dive into characters’ backstories, like Jean’s rivalry with Sasha or the training days of the 104th Cadet Corps. Others are lighter in tone, offering comic relief amid the otherwise grim narrative of the main series.

While enjoyable, these OVAs do not carry the narrative weight of the main seasons or the more focused spin-offs. They are best viewed as supplemental material for dedicated fans who want more time with their favorite characters. Fun and at times surprisingly touching, the OVAs add flavor but not much depth to the Attack on Titan saga, making them arguably the worst part of the series, while still being great and enjoyable.

9 Attack on Titan: Lost Girls OVA

Quiet Portraits of Two Silent Warriors

Attack on Titan: Lost Girls offers a quieter, more introspective take on the Attack on Titan universe by focusing on Mikasa and Annie. The episodes explore what drives these two warriors beyond their battlefield personas. Mikasa’s episode reimagines her past with Eren and paints a poignant picture of what might have been. Annie’s episode dives into her mindset during the events leading up to her betrayal.

Though not action-heavy, Lost Girls adds emotional texture to two of the series’ most enigmatic characters. It is a more subdued experience, but it rewards long-time fans with deeper insight into their psyches. While not essential viewing, it enriches the broader narrative with its character-focused storytelling and reflective tone.

8 Attack on Titan Season 2

Betrayals, Revelations, and Tighter Character Focus

Often regarded as the most underrated Attack on Titan season, season 2 has a lot of crucial character development and reveals some of the series' biggest twists. The shocking revelation that Reiner and Bertholdt are the Armored and Colossal Titans changes everything. This season shifts the focus from the external threat of Titans to the internal conflict of betrayal and trust. It’s more intimate but no less intense.

Season 2 also expands the lore significantly. Fans learn more about the Titans’ origins, Ymir’s backstory, and the mysterious Beast Titan. The slower pacing allows for deeper emotional exploration, especially in episodes like “Warrior” and “Charge.” While it does not have the explosive scale of other seasons, its character-driven storytelling lays the groundwork for future payoffs and deepens the narrative complexity.

7 Attack on Titan Season 1

Where Terror and Mystery First Took Hold

The first season is where it all began, and it remains one of the most iconic openings in anime history. It throws viewers headfirst into a terrifying world where humanity is on the brink of extinction. With the brutal fall of Wall Maria and the appearance of the Colossal and Armored Titans, the show wastes no time establishing high stakes. The early episodes are filled with tension, despair, and a sense of claustrophobia that defines the tone of the series.

Season 1 sets the stage for everything to come in Attack on Titan, and it introduces viewers to the key themes of fear, freedom, and sacrifice.

As the story unfolds, fans follow Eren, Mikasa, and Armin as they the military and begin to uncover the mysteries surrounding the Titans. While some critics have pointed out that the pacing drags in the middle, the intense action scenes and emotionally charged moments make up for it. Season 1 sets the stage for everything to come in Attack on Titan, and it introduces viewers to the key themes of fear, freedom, and sacrifice.

6 Attack on Titan: No Regrets OVA

The Tragic Origins of Humanity’s Strongest Soldier

No Regrets is a thrilling look into Levi Ackerman’s past, shedding light on how the most formidable soldier in humanity’s ranks came to be. Set before the events of the main series, the OVA explores Levi’s life in the Underground City and his first encounter with Commander Erwin. It’s a gritty, emotionally resonant tale about trust, leadership, and survival.

What makes No Regrets stand out is how it helps to expand the main narrative. Understanding Levi’s journey adds depth to his actions later in the series. The animation is top-tier for an OVA, and the emotional stakes, particularly in his relationships with Isabel and Farlan, are so good. It is a must-watch for fans who want to fully grasp Levi’s motivations and moral com.

5 Attack on Titan Final Season THE FINAL CHAPTERS Special 1

A Somber Reflection Amid Catastrophe

This hour-long special picks up immediately after the chaos of the Attack on Titan Final Season Part 2, diving deep into Eren’s psyche and the fallout of the Rumbling. The narrative slows down to focus on character reflection, allowing us to see how the surviving cast processes the destruction and Eren’s betrayal. It’s a meditative, emotionally charged episode that emphasizes the personal consequences of war.

What sets Special 1 apart is its balance between introspective drama and epic scale. Scenes of desolate landscapes and terrified civilians remind fans of the human cost of Eren’s actions. The pacing is deliberate but never dull, creating a sense of dread and urgency. It is not the most action-heavy installment, but it offers crucial insight into the themes that define the series.

4 Attack on Titan Final Season THE FINAL CHAPTERS Special 2

A Bittersweet Farewell and Philosophical Resolution

This finale special brings Attack on Titan to a dramatic, and for some, controversial end. Special 2 wraps up the complex narrative threads and delivers emotional closure for the main characters. The finale leans heavily into symbolism and moral ambiguity, showing the tragic cost of Eren’s choices and the impact of generational trauma. Fans were divided on the ending, but there’s no denying its ambition and poignancy.

Visually, it is a triumph. The animation reaches a cinematic level, and key character moments, like Mikasa’s final goodbye, are gut-wrenching. Some viewers may feel the resolution comes a bit too neatly or wish for different outcomes, but the themes of cycles of violence and inherited pain ring loud and clear. It is a bittersweet ending that sparks conversation and reflection, which is exactly what it was designed to do.

3 Attack on Titan Final Season Part 2

Ideological Warfare and the Rise of the Anti-Hero

Attack on Titan Final Season Part 2 catapults the story into full-blown chaos. As the conflict escalates between Marley and the remnants of Paradis, loyalties are tested, and ideologies clash. The season delivers jaw-dropping plot twists and character decisions that challenge everything fans thought they knew. Eren’s transformation into an anti-hero becomes central to the plot, raising questions about morality, freedom, and the true cost of vengeance.

The animation from MAPPA continues to impress, especially during high-intensity battles like the showdown in Liberio and the rooftop confrontations. Emotional stakes are higher than ever as beloved characters fall and alliances crumble. Despite the breakneck pace, the storytelling remains clear and purposeful. Final Season Part 2 is a powerful, emotionally resonant entry that sets up the final conflict with devastating precision.

2 Attack on Titan Season 3

The Apex of Political Intrigue and Emotional Climax

Season 3 of Attack on Titan is one of the biggest points of the series. It balances gripping action with political complexity, revealing long-held secrets about the world and its oppressive systems. The season is split into two parts, each with a distinct tone. The first part focuses on the internal political upheaval within the Walls, as the Survey Corps confronts corruption and learns the truth about Historia's royal bloodline. These episodes feel like a political thriller, filled with betrayals, power plays, and moral dilemmas.

This part of season 3 features some of the most unforgettable moments in anime history, like Erwin's suicidal charge, Armin’s fiery sacrifice, and Levi’s god-tier fight against the Beast Titan.

The second half pivots back to the titans themselves with the climactic battle for Shiganshina District. This part of season 3 features some of the most unforgettable moments in anime history, like Erwin's suicidal charge, Armin’s fiery sacrifice, and Levi’s god-tier fight against the Beast Titan. It is the emotional weight combined with thrilling animation that makes season 3 a masterpiece. Character arcs reach pivotal conclusions, and the revelation about the world beyond the Walls reshapes the narrative forever.

1 Attack on Titan Final Season

New Lands, New Faces, and a Moral Gray Zone

The beginning of the Attack on Titan Final Season marked a bold departure in tone and perspective from what the series had been so far. Instead of picking up where season 3 left off, the story shifts to Marley and introduces a host of new characters. It was a risky move that initially disoriented viewers but ultimately paid off by expanding the scope of the conflict. Themes of nationalism, propaganda, and inherited hatred take center stage in many shocking twists.

The animation style, now handled by MAPPA, brings a different energy to the series. While some fans criticized the CGI Titans, the storytelling remained strong. Eren’s ideological shift begins here, and the seeds of the Rumbling are planted. Despite being dense and exposition-heavy, this part is crucial for understanding Attack on Titan's endgame and is the best season in the series for its setup, character exploration, and shock value.