From 2010, many anime have been released. While few were questionable, many anime released during this decade were surprisingly good, and some were excellent. Some anime were adapted from light novels, others from manga (old and new).
Thanks to these new adaptations, many anime fans have been showered with interesting and unique series that expand the genre. While there have been some great anime over the past twenty years, here are some of the best anime of the decade.
“Attack on Titan” (2013-2022)
One of the most popular anime of the decade is The attack of the Titans. With the first season released in 2013, The attack of the Titans continues to be popular today with its ever-expanding universe and story. In a world where humans live in isolation from the giant, humanoid-eating people known as Titans, a young boy named Eren Jaegar grows up to become a member of Survey Corp to defeat the Titans who ate his mother.
This series, which lasts four seasons, expands the plot: it goes from simply killing Titans to destroying humanity. The characters – including the protagonist – change and develop over the course of the series. The show also adds new characters that audiences come to love and appreciate as well as mourn. What more could you ask for from a popular show?
‘Demon Slayer’ (2019)
Another popular manga that got its own well-deserved adaptation is demon slayer. demon slayer is about a young boy named Tanjiro who joins the famous Demon Slayers after his entire family is slaughtered by demons. At least, all but one: his sister, Nezuko. Nezuko, instead, was bitten by a demon and turned into one. Upon learning this, Tanjiro becomes one of the strongest Demon Slayers so he can find the demon responsible for his family’s slaughter. All the while, he searches for a potential cure for his sister.
With the success of Train Mugen and the release of season two, demon slayer might be the best anime of 2022. It is beloved by many fans due to its likable characters and interesting plot of Tanjiro wanting to find a cure for his last brother. Not to mention that the characters are all unique and stand out, and many of the stories told are both heartwarming and heartbreaking, which adds to the reasoning behind Demon Slayer being one of the best anime of the decade.
“Beyond the Border” (2013)
Another of the best anime of the decade is beyond the border. Short and sweet, beyond the border is a supernatural spectacle following the characters of Akihito (half-human, half-youmu) and Mirai (a warrior from the spirit world). Mirai, being shy, teams up with Akihito to learn how to properly eliminate youmu that threaten humanity.
Although 12 episodes long, beyond the border, successfully tells a story of friendship and loss. It encapsulates comedy, romance, and suspense. With the success of the series comes the movie, which expands the universe and brings back the same characters for an emotional finale. It was popular in the era of animated shorts and ended up being one of the best.
‘Vinland Saga’ (2019)
Vinland Saga is based on an older manga that is still ongoing. It is based on the story of Vikings and the young Thorfinn who accompanies them to eliminate their leader. Traumatized by the unjust murder of his father, Thorfinn is determined to get revenge.
Vinland Saga is a popular manga that only recently got its anime adaptation. Unlike the missed opportunity of a good adaptation of Berserk — also revenge-based — The Vinland Saga The adaptation proved to be successful and as a result became one of the best anime of the decade.
“Tokyo Revengers” (2021)
Enjoy revenge? Tokyo avengers is a sci-fi story about Takemichi Hanagaki, who leads a pretty miserable life and whose ex-girlfriend is murdered due to gang violence. It’s a story based on time travel where he warps 12 years into the past. This allows him to change the past as he sees fit. Although based on a science fiction premise, Tokyo avengers is always a well-made story that looks towards change.
Tokyo avengers is another popular anime of the decade. However, while most anime is based on light novels or manga with physical copies, Tokyo avengers only had digital versions. Due to the popularity of anime, Tokyo avengers will receive a physical publication to reach a wider audience.
“One Punch” (2015-2022)
Have you ever tired of superhero clichés? A punch is quite the opposite. Although he follows Saitama, an all-powerful superhero, his life is far from perfect. Saitama is so powerful that he has no competition, which creates a boring life and a dilemma: he wants to face stronger villains.
A punch makes fun of cliches with a comedic protagonist, which is the reason for its sudden popularity and why it exploded when it did. It deserves its place among the best anime of the decade for its unique take on the genre.
‘Mob Psycho 100’ (2016)
Mob Psycho 100 is another popular supernatural-focused anime. Written by Athe same author for A punch, Mob Psycho 100 follows another powerful character like Saitama. However, unlike Saitama, Mob Psycho 100 protagonist, Shigeo – doesn’t want to use his powers, not even for good.
Similar to One Punch, Mob Psycho is popular for its comedic story, an entertaining protagonist with an existential crisis, and its simple yet unique art style.
“My Hero Academia” (2016)
Another popular anime that exploded quickly is my hero academia. In a world of superheroes and superpowers – otherwise known as oddities – Izuku Midoriya has none. Despite this, he still dreams and hopes to one day become a superhero.
my hero academia exploded with story and character development. Although a large number of characters usually hurts a story – if it’s not developed well – My Hero Academia a large number of characters – both villains and heroes – were all well-developed and, above all, likable.
“Dragon Ball Super” (2015)
Dragon Ball Super is another spin-off/sequel after the dragonball and Dragon Ball Z franchise. Like previous installments in the series, Dragon Ball Super follows Goku and his cast of friends he’s made along the way as they take on some of the most powerful fighters in the universe.
Dragon Ball Super keep adding Dragon Ball’s legacy, expanding the cast and plot to unimaginable levels. And Goku – like many other characters – remains just as likeable as before. It’s no wonder Dragon Ball Super is one of the best anime of the decade. dragonball continues to improve.
‘Kakegurui’ (2017-2019)
kakegurui concerns students who attend Hyakkaou Privacy Academy, a school for the privileged and wealthy. However, the school’s hierarchy is not determined by any normal means or standards; it’s decided by the game. He follows Yumeko who is addicted to the game, and she sees through the cheating ways of the other students.
Unlike most anime on this list, kakegurui is an anime with a unique premise. It relies on an interesting plot and a protagonist who breaks the school hierarchy. With two seasons under his name, kakegurrui continues to be a popular anime.
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