MyAnimeList

MyAnimeList, commonly abbreviated MAL, is an online database and social networking site for anime and manga. It provides searchable catalogs, user reviews, ratings, and progress tracking, and serves as a community hub for fans to discuss titles, share recommendations, and organize their viewing and reading. The service was founded in 2005 and has grown into one of the largest communities of its kind.

Core features include two catalogs for anime and manga, personal lists with status categories such as Watching and Plan to Watch, progress tracking by episode or chapter, a rating scale, and reviews. Users can create and maintain lists, rate titles, write reviews, add tags, and link related works. The site aggregates metadata such as synopses, staff and studio information, release dates, and related adaptations, and offers search and filter options, seasonal charts, recommendations, and community tools like forums and clubs.

Content is largely user-generated, with guidelines to maintain quality. Data is contributed by a global user base and is subject to editing and moderation. MAL provides cross-linking between related works, characters, and staff, helping users explore connections across titles. The site is accessible via web and mobile interfaces, and users can customize privacy settings for their lists and profiles.

As a widely used reference for tracking consumption and discovering titles, MyAnimeList has had a significant impact on anime and manga communities. Some critics point to data inconsistencies and moderation challenges common to large user-driven databases.