Have you ever wondered what would happen if your anime characters from different shows met each other? Well, it turns out that some of them actually have. While many fans are excited about big superhero crossovers like Deadpool and Wolverine, the anime world has quietly made some amazing crossovers of its own.
In this list, are the top 5 anime crossovers that you might not have known about. These are not just simple cameos or quick jokes – these are full episodes, movies, and specials where characters from different anime series come together in unexpected and exciting ways.
5. Fairy Tail x Rave Master
Kicking off the list is a crossover between two of Hiro Mashima’s popular works, Fairy Tail and Rave Master. This special OVA, released in 2013, brought together the casts of both series for an exciting adventure. In this crossover, the main characters from both series team up for a specific mission. However, before the cooperation begins, fans are treated to an epic showdown between Fairy Tail‘s Natsu and Rave Master‘s Haru.
4. Yu-Gi-Oh!: Bonds Beyond Time
In 2010, the Yu-Gi-Oh! franchise celebrated its 10th anniversary with a feature-length film that brought together protagonists from three different series- Yugi Muto from the original Yu-Gi-Oh!, Jaden Yuki from Yu-Gi-Oh! GX, and Yusei Fudo from Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D’s. This crossover movie sees the three heroes teaming up to battle against a time-traveling villain threatening to destroy the game of Duel Monsters. It’s a nostalgic trip for long-time fans and an exciting introduction to the franchise’s history for newcomers.
Yu-Gi-Oh!: Bonds Beyond Time is available to watch on Crunchyroll.
3. Gintama x Sket Dance
In 2011, two of Shonen Jump’s comedy heavyweights collided when the casts of Gintama and Sket Dance met in a hilarious crossover. this special episode saw the Odd Jobs crew from Gintama meeting the Sket Dan from Sket Dance.
What makes this crossover particularly entertaining is how both series are known for their meta-humor and parodies. The result is a laugh-out-loud episode filled with clever references and the kind of absurd situations both the series are known for.
The crossover plays on the similarities of the two groups, with both being odd-job teams willing to take on any request. It’s a perfect blend of the two series’ styles and a treat for fans of comedy anime.
Gintama x Sket Dance is available to watch on Crunchyroll.
2. One Piece x Dragon Ball Super x Toriko
In 2013, three of Shonen Jump’s biggest franchises came together for an epic crossover special titled “Dream 9.” This hour-long event brought the casts of Dragon Ball, One Piece, and Toriko for a wild adventure. It sees the characters from all three series meeting up in a strange, alternate continuity for a grand feast and competition. Fans finally got to see Goku and Luffy fighting side by side, along with Toriko’s gourmet hunters joining the fray. It’s a dream come true for fans who’ve always wondered how these two characters would interact.
One Piece x Dragon Ball Super x Toriko is available to watch on Hulu.
1. Lupin the 3rd x Detective Conan
Topping our list is the 2013 feature-length film crossover between master thief Lupin the 3rd and boy detective Conan Edogawa. This wasn’t their first meeting, they had a TV special in 2009, but this movie took their rivalry and eventual partnership to new heights. The film sees Lupin and Conan engaged in a thrilling battle of wits that eventually evolves into a collaboration to prevent a precious treasure from falling into the wrong hands. It’s a perfect blend of Lupin’s heists and Conan’s deductions.
While Western media might be abuzz with superhero crossover, the anime world has been quietly creating some of the most unexpected and delightful mashups for years. They remind us that in the world of anime, anything is possible.
Lupin the 3rd x Detective Conan is available to watch on Crunchyroll.
