From 'My Hero Academia' to 'Attack on Titan:' The Best Anime of the Last Decade
From 2010 onwards, a lot of anime has been released. While few have been questionable, many of the anime released in that decade were surprisingly good, with more falling under great. Some anime has been adapted from light novels, others from manga (both old and new).
Thanks to these new adaptions, many fans of anime have been showered with interesting and unique series that expand the genre. While there have been great anime within 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 Attack on Titan. With the first season released in 2013, Attack on Titan continues to be popular today with its ever-expanding universe and story. In a world where humans live in seclusion from giant, people eating humanoids known as Titans, a young boy named Eren Jaegar grows up to become a Survey Corp member to defeat the Titans that ate his mother.
This series, running for four seasons, expands the plot: it goes from being simply about killing Titans to destroying humanity. The characters — including the protagonist — change and develop as the series goes on. The show also adds new characters that the audience grows to love and enjoy as well as cry over. What more could one ask for from a popular show?
'Demon Slayer' (2019)
Another popular manga that got its own and well-deserved adaption is Demon Slayer. Demon Slayer is about a young boy named Tanjiro who joins the famous demon slayers after his entire family was slaughtered by demons. At least, all except for one: his sister, Nezuko. Nezuko, instead, has been bitten by a demon and turned into one. Learning this, Tanjiro grows into one of the strongest demon slayers so that he could 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 Mugen Train and the release of season two, Demon Slayer might be the best anime of 2022. It's beloved by many fans due to its likable characters and interesting plot of Tanjiro wanting to find a cure for his last sibling. Not to mention, the cast of 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's being one of the best anime of the decade.
'Beyond the Boundary' (2013)
Another one of the best anime of the decade is Beyond the Boundary. Short and sweet, Beyond the Boundary is a supernatural show following characters Akihito (half-human, half-youmu) and Mirai ( a spirit world warrior). Mirai, being shy, teams up with Akihito to learn how to properly take down youmu that threaten humanity.
Although 12 episodes long, Beyond the Boundary, successfully tells a story of friendship and grief. It encapsulates comedy, romance, and suspense. With the success of the show comes the movie, which expanded the universe and brought back the same characters for an emotional finale. It was popular in the era of short anime 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 young Thorfinn who tags along with them to take out their leader. Traumatized by the unfair murder of his father, Thorfinn is set on revenge.
Vinland Saga is a popular manga that only recently got its anime adaption. Unlike the missed opportunity for a good adaption of Berserk — also based on revenge — Vinland Saga’s adaption turned out to be successful, and as a result, became one of the best anime of the decade.
'Tokyo Revengers' (2021)
Enjoy revenge? Tokyo Revengers is a science-fiction story about Takemichi Hanagaki, who lives quite a 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 Revengers is still a well-done story that looks towards change.
Tokyo Revengers is another popular anime of the decade. However, while most anime is based on light novels or manga with physical copies, Tokyo Revengers had digital releases only. Due to the popularity of the anime, Tokyo Revengers will be receiving a physical publication to reach a wider audience.
'One-Punch Man' (2015-2022)
Ever get tired of the superhero clichés? One Punch Man is quite the opposite. While it does follow Saitama, an all-powerful superhero, his life is far from perfect. Saitama is so powerful he has zero competition, which creates a boring life and a dilemma: he wants to face stronger villains.
One Punch Man makes fun of clichés with a comedic protagonist, which is the reason for its sudden popularity and why it blew up when it did. It deserves its place as one of the best anime of the decade for its unique take on the genre.
'Mob Psycho 100' (2016)
Mob Psycho 100 is another popular anime focusing on the supernatural. Written by One, the same author for One Punch Man, Mob Psycho 100 follows another powerful character like Saitama. However, unlike Saitama, Mob Psycho 100's protagonist, Shigeo — doesn’t want to use his powers whatsoever, not even for good.
Similar to One Punch Man, 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 blew up quickly is My Hero Academia. In a world of superheroes and superpowers — otherwise known as quirks — Izuku Midoriya has none. Despite this, he still dreams and hopes to one day become a superhero.
My Hero Academia blew up thanks to the story and development of the characters. Although a large cast of characters typically hurts a story — if not developed well — My Hero Academia’s large cast of characters — both villains and heroes — were all well-developed and, most importantly, likable.
'Dragon Ball Super' (2015)
Dragon Ball Super is another spinoff/sequel following the Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z franchise. Like the previous parts of the series, Dragon Ball Super follows Goku and his cast of friends that he’s made along the way as they face off against some of the universe's strongest fighters.
Dragon Ball Super continues to add onto Dragon Ball’s legacy, expanding the cast and the plot to unimaginable levels. And Goku — like many of the other characters — remains just as likable as before. It’s no wonder Dragon Ball Super is one of the best anime of the decade. Dragon Ball continues to only get better.
'Kakegurui' (2017-2019)
Kakegurui is about students who attend Hyakkaou Privacy Academy, a school for the privileged and wealthy. However, the hierarchy of the school is not determined by any normal means or standards; it is decided by gambling. It follows Yumeko who is addicted to gambling, and she sees through the other students’ cheating ways.
Unlike most anime on this list, Kakegurui is an anime with a unique premise. It relies on an interesting plot and protagonist who breaks down the hierarchy of the school. With two seasons under its name, Kakegurrui continues to be a popular anime.
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