Does anyone know why "Death Note" is so popular?

Because it's a battle of masterminds. It's a very intellectual anime (in comparison to other popular anime) and really get's you thinking. It's not something you can have going on in the background. You have to pay attention which is no problem since it keeps you captivated. It's also interesting to see how there's not a real fine line between "good" and "evil" in this particular anime. The characters are very much lovable (apparently not everyone thinks so but a majority do) and you grow attached to them after a while. Like someone else said, It's a very nice combination of fantasy and reality.

Did you watch the whole thing? It's just hard for me to imagine someone watching the whole anime and still think it's mediocre (if even that).

Back when it was first released as an anime, it was a "one of a kind" anime.

The story, the plot, the characters the genre.

In fact, Death Note is probably the epitome of a Psychological anime, and if you think about it, in the next 10 or so years, Death Note would probably be one of the most remembered anime for being so dark, twisted and pure awesome (like Sailor Moon, Dragon Ball or Rurouni Kenshin etc back in the 80s-90s). But I guess Death Note COULD be on-par with the Higurashi series as well :)

It's probably just that people get really attached to the characters in the anime. But besides that, the anime storyline is very well planned out and keeps your attention. It has that psychological/drama aspect in it, which keeps things interesting like in Code Geass- which is also popular.

I think because its one of those animes no one would of expected to be seen. Its very realistic and its not cliche like some typical animes. The character's were realistic (Well...I'm not sure about Misa) and the plot was amazing, easy to get into. I mainly liked it for the mystery an suspense. :3

I think it's because of the story, along with the characters, the storyline is good and it mixes reality with fantasy. In my opinion is a type of anime that can't be found often, like Code Geass.

Well for me it's because it's different then the typical "strong guy fights strong guy with fists". Intelligent people are constantly battling it out with their wits. And the "bad guy" actually ends up beating the "good guy". Also, "bad guy" could be considered good and vice versa. It's intense and awesome.

It's L. (A combo of the story and the characters.)

L is one of the greatest characters ever created. He's funny. He's smart. HE LIKES CAKE.

Other than that, I guess people like the fact that good and evil are switched, but in the end, Justice prevails. (That actually depends on who's definition of 'justice' you go by. L's, or Light's.

It's really complex, but, even so, I didn't really enjoy it very much.

Because all the weeaboos think it's the best thing ever, which doesn't say much because they've only seen like 10 anime at the most.

theres alot of reasons why :O

1. L and Light are hella hawt!

2. theres a good storyline.

3. theres a lot of episodes, well for me there is.

4. they have good animation.

thats what i think ;) hope i helped.

I dont know about others but the reason I like it is that its entertaining, and its the type of anime that will keep you at the edge of your seat kind of.