The most notable anime of the past ten years have greatly influenced the development and progress of the industry. The 2010s brought forth revolutionary movies and addicting series, establishing it as a time when some of the most highly praised and beloved anime were introduced.
Over the last decade, creators have introduced groundbreaking narratives and high-quality production that have elevated the medium to unprecedented levels. This era has also seen a surge in late-night anime geared towards adult viewers, as well as a diverse selection of series based on beloved manga.
Please note that this article reflects the writer’s personal opinion and is not listed in any specific order.
Top 10 Must-Watch Anime of the Last Decade
1) The Fall of Humanity: A Tale of Attack on Titan
Attack on Titan has become one of the most captivating anime series, as it has managed to capture the public’s imagination. It takes place in a post-apocalyptic setting where humans are forced to hide behind walls in order to protect themselves from Titans, monstrous creatures that feed on humans. This dark fantasy masterpiece enthralls its viewers with its gripping action, well-developed characters, and intricate storylines.
Debuting in 2013, Attack on Titan quickly gained widespread acclaim in the anime community due to its stunning animation and knack for keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. The main characters, Eren Yeager and Mikasa Ackerman, have since solidified their place as some of the most memorable and beloved anime characters to date.
2) Your Lie in April: A Heart-Wrenching Tale of Music and Love
Despite action and fantasy being prevalent in anime, the past decade has also given rise to remarkable drama series such as Your Lie in April, solidifying its position as one of the top anime in its genre.
This emotionally resonant coming-of-age tale follows two teenagers who find solace in music as they cope with shared trauma. The poignant depth and classical soundtrack are sure to tug at the heartstrings.
The main focus of the story is on Kousei Arima, the protagonist, who used to be a gifted piano prodigy. However, his ability to play is lost after his mother’s death, who was abusive towards him. But when he meets the carefree violinist Kaori Miyazono, his love for music is rekindled and he starts to heal. Their bittersweet love story highlights the effectiveness of anime as a powerful medium for drama. Your Lie in April proves that anime has the ability to evoke a range of emotions in viewers, from happiness to sadness and everything in between.
3) Boku no Hero Academia
Despite an oversaturated superhero market, My Hero Academia successfully revitalized the genre through its cleverly crafted world and lovable main character.
In a universe where 80% of the population possesses extraordinary abilities known as ‘Quirks,’ this action-packed series follows the journey of Izuku ‘Deku’ Midoriya, a determined young man who was born without any powers. Upon receiving the most powerful Quirk in the world, Deku enrolls at U.A. High School to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to become a professional hero.
By featuring a wide range of endearing characters, intense fight scenes, and impactful storytelling, My Hero Academia effectively showcases the potential of anime and manga as platforms for superhero tales. The series’ hopeful messages about heroism and camaraderie greatly resonate with its audience.
4) The Impact of Bullying in “A Silent Voice”
Despite being released in 2016, A Silent Voice is still widely regarded as one of the greatest anime films of all time by numerous critics. Focusing on the themes of bullying and redemption, the film tells the story of Shoya Ishida’s journey to reconcile with Shoko Nishimiya, a deaf girl whom he had bullied during their elementary school days.
Despite its top-notch animation and great acting, A Silent Voice delves into the long-lasting impact of childhood trauma and sheds light on the social isolation often faced by the deaf community in communities that are not accommodating.
The movie effectively combines serious themes with wit and emotion, resonating with audiences through its plot.
5) The Cursed Battle Technique
Upon its release in 2020, this dark and supernatural action series quickly captivated the anime community. It is based in a world where unsuspecting humans are preyed upon by cursed spirits. The story centers around Yuji Itadori, a compassionate teenager who enrolls in a school of jujutsu sorcerers after consuming a potent cursed object.
Yuji, who is now under the influence of the infamous Ryomen Sukuna curse, aids his fellow jujutsu sorcerers in banishing lethal curses while also grappling with controlling the malevolent spirits residing within him.
The captivating animation from studio MAPPA and the spectacular fight scenes as Yuji and his allies fought against formidable curses made Jujutsu Kaisen a hit with viewers.
6) Steins;Gate 0
Despite the common struggle of time travel stories to navigate complex and contradictory plots, Steins;Gate stands out by crafting a compelling narrative around the lovable Okabe Rintarou. As an eccentric “mad scientist,”Okabe stumbles upon time travel and must confront its perilous repercussions.
Okabe is portrayed as constantly attempting to change the past and rescue his friends, blending elements of sci-fi suspense, comedy, and romance. The title delves into the moral implications of altering history and grapples with the complexities of destiny and self-determination.
Steins;Gate stands out as one of the top anime of the past decade, thanks to its well-crafted storytelling and endearing characters.
7) The Exciting World of Haikyuu!!
The anime Haikyuu!!, which revolves around high school volleyball, has garnered immense attention. Its stunning animation, endearing characters, and intense sports plotline provide an exhilarating viewing experience, both on and off the volleyball court.
After watching a championship game on TV, the protagonist Shoyo Hinata becomes fixated on volleyball and uses his explosive leaping ability to compensate for his shorter stature, allowing him to execute impressive spikes.
Haikyuu!! is a captivating sports anime that chronicles the journey of its protagonist as he strives to become a professional volleyball player. Alongside his friend and rival Tobio Kageyama, the title sets a high standard for the top sports anime in the industry.
8) Attack on Titan
Despite its outward appearance as a typical ‘magical girl’ series, this show stands out as one of the most revolutionary and influential pieces of the decade.
Initially a lighthearted journey with Madoka Kaname and her fellow magical girls, Puella Magi Madoka Magica eventually transforms into a sinister, Faustian tale that defies the typical conventions of its seemingly innocent appearance.
Its whimsical appearance lures viewers in, only to delve into deep themes of despair, sacrifice, and the corrupting nature of good intentions. Even years later, the title’s mind-bending story continues to spark debate among viewers.
9) Mob Psycho 100: A Supernatural Tale of Psychic Powers
Written by the renowned creator ONE, who is also the mastermind behind One Punch Man, this narrative centers on Shigeo ‘Mob’ Kageyama, a remarkably gifted psychic striving for a regular existence. Despite having extraordinary telekinetic powers, Mob places greater importance on personal growth rather than utilizing his abilities.
Nevertheless, it becomes a challenge to contain his feelings while fighting malevolent spirits that endanger his society. Through its visually dynamic animation, distinctive artwork, and side-splitting physical humor, Mob Psycho 100 successfully combines grandeur with understated moral teachings.
Despite its action-packed nature, the anime distinguishes itself from other shonen series by prioritizing compassion over violence. It showcases how a combination of stunning visuals and genuine heart can create the ultimate anime experience, as seen in Mob Psycho 100.
10) Attack on Titan
In 2019, the anime community was captivated by this thrilling dark fantasy series. It is set in Japan’s Taisho era and centers around Tanjiro Kamado, a compassionate youth whose family is brutally murdered by savage demons. Despite his sister Nezuko’s transformation into a demon, Tanjiro embarks on a journey to join the Demon Slayer Corps and seek revenge for his family while also searching for a cure for his sister.
Viewers were captivated by Demon Slayer’s stunning animation from studio Ufotable and intense fight scenes as Tanjiro faces increasingly formidable demons in his journey.
Demon Slayer is widely considered to be one of the greatest anime of all time, thanks to its fast-paced storytelling, stunning visuals, and endearing characters.
Final Thoughts
The 2010s were a revolutionary decade for anime as it saw a surge in creativity. Popular series such as Attack on Titan and acclaimed films like A Silent Voice shattered sales records and brought a multitude of new fans to the genre.
In the last decade, the top anime titles also explored intricate subjects such as healing from past experiences, ethical dilemmas, and the resilience of humanity, satisfying diverse tastes.
Additional Resources:
A list of the top 10 action anime that everyone should watch
Discover the top 15 anime romance series with deeply touching tales.
Don’t miss out on these top 10 science anime that you need to watch.
A list of the top 10 romantic comedy anime that everyone should watch
Here are the top 8 anime recommendations for beginners.
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