Dragon Ball Z – While a hit in Japan, DBZ became a cultural phenomenon in the U.S., with Cartoon Network’s Toonami block driving massive popularity.
Naruto – Naruto’s story of a misfit ninja resonated deeply with American teens, gaining far more mainstream attention in the West than in Japan.
Attack on Titan – Though critically acclaimed globally, AoT found a particularly massive fanbase in the U.S., spawning merch, cons, and major hype.
One Piece (Early Seasons) – Despite being a mega-hit in Japan, the 4Kids dub and edits made it more widely known (if not always loved) in America early on
Death Note – This dark psychological thriller became a cult classic in the U.S., often serving as a gateway anime for many American fans.