These works were chosen and assembled as "the eighteen" by actor Ichikawa Danjūrō VII (1800-1832).
The pieces were considered to be seminal representations of the aragoto style in the repertoire.
[1] The Danjūrō line has continued to dominate the leading roles, and the printing and production of these plays ever since.
Shibaraku, Narukami, Sukeroku, Ya-no-Ne, and Kanjinchō are still considered among the greatest of all kabuki plays, and are performed at least once a year.
A Shin-Kabuki Jūhachiban (New Eighteen Best Kabuki Plays) was assembled by Ichikawa Danjūrō IX in the Meiji period, representing his favorites, many of which are particularly representative of Meiji period kabuki.