The expansive anime universe offers many different tales with compelling characters, engaging plots, and epic moments. While some anime come and go, many deliver outstanding and memorable experiences. Those types of anime typically contain well-written storylines, characters, and events that will excite people more.
For our ongoing series of articles depicting the best anime, we’d like to highlight the best anime from the 2010s. From Attack On Titan to Steins; Gate, we’d like to recognize the most outstanding anime to air during that period.
Of course, if we’ve missed any of your favorites, feel free to comment below and we’ll add them when we can!
Attack On Titan
Attack On Titan is one of the most popular anime of the prior decade. Ever since its debut in 2013, the series continues to hit home with multiple viewers for its incredible animation, interesting characters, and thrilling moments. It’s set in a universe where mankind lives behind large stone walls to protect themselves from the monstrous Titans that reside behind the walls.
One day, these Titans manage to enter one town and destroy it. Fortunately, our protagonists Eren, Mikasa, and Armin survive the ordeal. However, they’re devastated by the carnage the Titans caused. Eren vows to become a formidable warrior capable of murdering every Titan on the planet.
On that note, Attack On Titan has a variety of characters fans will grow to appreciate. They all have incredible personalities, motives, and strengths that help them stand out and receive excellent development over the course of the story. The obstacles that stand in their way will only make them stronger, wiser, and more mature.
In addition to providing fans with unique commentary on human nature, Attack On Titan is an action-packed thrill ride everyone should watch.
You can read our thoughts on Attack On Titan in our full-season review here!
One Punch Man
One Punch Man’s an entertaining superhero-themed anime that capitalized on the whole superhero craze at the time. Instead of feeling like a direct homage to American superhero comics though, One Punch Man offers a parodic take on the genre. Nevertheless, the anime contains enough intense fights and over-the-top scenarios to get any superhero fanatic excited.
One Punch Man follows the unknown hero Saitama. He trained effortlessly to the point where he can knock people out in one punch. After countless victories, Saitama’s passion for action dwindles until he meets a cyborg named Genos. Genos informs Saitama about the Hero Association, giving Saitama a chance to make a name for himself and find a worthy opponent. We follow our duo’s adventures together as they work to become popular heroes in their society.
On top of offering a satirical take on superheroes, One Punch Man is known for its beautiful animation and visuals. The animation’s quality elevates every scene in the series, immersing the viewer in the anime’s world. From exaggerated expressions to excellent comedic timing, you’re in for a treat with One Punch Man.
You can read our thoughts on One Punch Man in our full-season review here!
Puella Magi Madoka Magica
The Tatami Galaxy
The Tatami Galaxy’s story centers around Watashi, a man who receives an opportunity to experience his college years again. He wants to make friends, reveal his feelings to his lover, and live an extraordinary life. What makes this anime a special one is its nonlinear narrative as you’ll be experiencing Watashi’s journey through alternate realities. This experience conveys a powerful message about the significance behind one’s choices and the impact those decisions could have on your life.
The anime’s art style is beautiful and distinct. Each frame is well-detailed and its use of a vibrant and diverse color palette adds depth to the story’s emotional tone. The animation and surrealistic aspect of the world plays a key role in entertaining viewers. If you’re looking for a deep story with bizarre visuals, check out The Tatami Galaxy.
Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day
Anohana: The Flower We Say That Day (Anohana) is a touching and heartwarming anime that explores themes of grief, loss, and friendship. The story follows a group of childhood friends who reunite after their friend’s passing to fulfill her final wish. The anime’s praised for its emotional depth, skillful storytelling, and engaging characters. The characters are actually one of Anohana’s biggest strengths. Everyone from its protagonist Jinta to Naruko is memorable and full of depth.
Anohana’s animation is stunning and beautifully done. It uses excellent lighting techniques to convey the characters’ emotions and the beauty of its rich locations. The character designs are expressive, allowing folks to connect with the cast on a deeper level.
For those looking for an anime rich in emotion and human connection, check out Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day.
Your Name
Your Name is one of Makoto Shinkai’s popular works. It follows Taki and Mitsuha, two teenagers who find themselves switching bodies randomly. As they work together to locate a solution, they’ll wind up developing a bond that transcends time and space.
This anime has incredible animation. Its lush landscapes its jaw-dropping shots will help feel immersed in this story. Makoto Shinkai’s team utilizes color to convey the characters’ emotions and to add depth to Your Name’s world. The soundtrack is equally enjoyable and adds emotional weight to each of Your Name’s scenes. Visuals and music aside, the story itself is rich in themes such as love, fate, and time. The characters undergo relatable struggles and endure pain many people can empathize with.
With some subtle twists and turns, Your Name is an amazing anime that shouldn’t be overlooked.
Violet Evergarden
Violet Evergarden is one of Netflix’s greatest anime offerings. The story’s about a young girl named Violet, who lost her arms in war and required robotic limbs. She embarks on a mission to uncover what her dying Major meant when he said he loved her. This series is beautiful, both in its visuals and its touching narrative. Every scene is lush and has incredible details.
The character movements are precise and filled with emotion. You’ll feel as if you’re watching a still photograph come to life with how well-detailed everything looks in this anime. The soundtrack can feel uplifting or haunting, depending on our characters’ situations. The plot and protagonist can be just as entertaining.
Viewers will grow attached to Violet as she learns more about herself during her emotional journey. This is a must-watch for those looking for a strong tale about what it means to be loved and to love.
You can read our thoughts on Violet Evergarden in our full-season review here!
Devilman Crybaby
If Violet Evergarden was one of Netflix’s most beautiful anime, Devilman Crybaby’s one of its more controversial programs. It delivers a unique blend of violence, sexually charged imagery, and a gripping plot that makes it a fascinating anime to watch.
The anime features a mundane boy named Akira attending a party with his friend Ryo. Disaster strikes leading to many humans getting slaughtered by demons. During the commotion, Akira merges with a devil to murder the remaining ones. Acting as a hybrid human/devil, Akira must find a way to balance his new life with his old one while protecting the world from mass destruction. As one can expect, this anime isn’t for the faint of heart but it’s deserving of its critical acclaim.
The story is an emotional roller coaster with complex and flawed characters you’ll wind up admiring. It delves into heavy subjects like death and what it means to be a human. It’ll shatter viewers’ hearts multiple times, but it’s a show that’ll stay with you forever.
You can read our thoughts on Devilman Crybaby in our full-season review here!
Hunter X Hunter 2011
Hunter X Hunter 2011 is a phenomenal action-adventure series with depth and memorable characters. The story starts with Gon, a boy who leaves the comfort of his home to become a professional hunter like his father. Gon hopes he’ll be able to reunite with his father and ask him numerous questions.
This anime contains many well-written story arcs that build upon the anime’s world. Some arcs will center around Gon while others will focus on his companions like Killua and Kurapika. The supporting cast receives just as much depth and character-driven scenes as our protagonist, making them feel unforgettable and worth rooting for.
As with other Shonen series, viewers can expect a plethora of entertaining and well-animated fights. Some battles can get intense and gory. However, they serve to give viewers time to breathe from the anime’s information-heavy chapters.
For those looking for a shonen anime with a complex power system, amusing cast, and incredible lore, I’d recommend setting time aside for this 148-episode shonen classic.
Steins; Gate
Steins; Gate is a marvelous sci-fi anime that aired at the beginning of the 2010s. It quickly gained steam for its gripping narrative, complex characters, and unique take on the time-traveling concept. In it, we follow Rintaro, a skilled scientist who accidentally stumbles upon the secret of time travel.
The anime delves into the consequences of their actions as they try to undo their mistakes. This leads to many thrilling scenarios that will leave viewers on the edge of their seats. The story moves at a steady pace, slowly building up tension to keep viewers contemplating.
The anime offers some ounce of comedy and romance in its storytelling to spice things up. It handles its time travel components appropriately and identifies the cons of altering future events. In addition to having impressive visuals and a killer soundtrack. Steins; Gate is a must-watch for science fiction enjoyers.
So, there we have it, our picks for the best anime from the 2010s!
What do you think of our picks? Do you agree? Are there any notable omissions? Let us know in the comments below!