10 Best Anime of the Past Decade

Anime has taken off in the past 10 years, becoming more and more accepted throughout the world and competing with other mediums. It has become more mainstream and an important part of pop culture, capturing the eyes of many and inspiring other mediums.

Although the globalization of anime was a collective effort by the anime industry, a few series stood out for their excellence and showing just how high quality the medium can be. From culture-shocks like My Hero Academia to trailblazers like Sword Art Online, the 2010s was the decade of the anime, and it only got better since.

10

Kekkai Sensen Has Some Of The Best Action

Based on the Manga by Yasuhiro Nightow

Kekkai Sensen (Blood Blockade Battlefront) was all the rage when it aired back in 2015. One of Studio Bone’s best anime, and one of the most underrated ones, Kekkai Sensen is an animation masterpiece, and features some of the best and most iconic fight scenes ever. The setting was also interesting, and the characters were as hilarious and loveable as the others.

Blood Blockade Battlefront follows Leonardo Watch, who gains the “All-Seeing Eyes of the Gods” and joins the secretive organization Libra in the bustling city of Hellsalem’s Lot, formerly New York City. Amidst chaos caused by interdimensional beings, he navigates the city’s supernatural underworld alongside his eccentric comrades, protecting humanity while uncovering the truth behind his newfound powers.

Watch On Crunchyroll

9

Barakamon Is An Eye-Opener

Based on the Manga by Satsuki Yoshino

Barakamon is an absolutely amazing hidden gem that more people need to watch. Its character development is exceptional; viewers witness protagonist Seishuu Handa’s transformation from a self-absorbed artist to a more empathetic and understanding individual through his interactions with the islanders, especially the endearing Naru. The anime’s depiction of rural life is immersive and authentic, offering a refreshing departure from urban settings.

Seishu is a talented but short-tempered calligrapher, and his anger issues got the better of him when he attacked a judge for saying his work was unoriginal and boring. He was then shipped off to Goto Island by his father as a punishment, but this experience changed him for the better. Living a humble life in a quiet environment, Seishu finds himself and what being a calligrapher meant, and living with the residents affects him hugely.

Watch On Crunchyroll

8

Erased Is Short But Sweet

Based on the Manga by Kei Sanbe

For anyone who wants a short anime series that will leave them satisfied, there are few better options than Erased. The anime has a surprisingly large fan base despite its short 12-episode run, but this makes sense given the excellent quality the series has. A true mystery thriller, Erased is one of the best time-travel anime ever, and although the ending had a slightly controversial development, the anime was still great from beginning to end.

Satoru Fujinuma, a struggling mangaka, has the ability to go back in time before a life-threatening incident, giving him the chance to prevent it. When his mother is murdered, his ability lets him travel back 18 years, giving him the opportunity to save both his mother and prevent the murder of three childhood friends, and he soon finds out that the murders are all connected.

7

Laid-Back Camp Is Too Wholesome

Based on the Manga by Afro

By far one of the most wholesome anime, Laid-Back Camp is great for anyone who wants to wind down after watching a great, fast-paced, or action-intensive series. The story is simple and captivating, but what makes this anime even more amazing is the incredible art direction that breathes life into the scenery the characters are seeing, making viewers feel the same appreciation for nature that Rin is experiencing.

Rin Shima loves solo camping, and she one day meets Nadeshiko Kagamihara, who is lost, and they both camp together until Nadeshiko’s sister picks her up. This experience made her interested in camping, and she managed to convince Rin to join the school’s outdoor club.

Watch On Crunchyroll

6

My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU Is a Classic Coming-of-Age Romance

Based on the Light Novel Series Written by Wataru Watari and Illustrated by Ponkan

A rather calm and hilarious slice-of-life and romance anime, My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU, more commonly known as Oregairu, is a wonderful watch that is as funny as it is entertaining. Although the designs of the main characters slightly changed from season 1 to season 2, the quality spiked, and it became much more popular due to the studio change. It is a coming-of-age story of three characters who grapple with their issues as they maintain their relationships, making it much more complex and interesting than other series in the genre.

Hikigaya Hachiman, a pessimistic loner, is forced to join the Volunteers Club by his teacher, a club dedicated to helping anyone who walks through their doors. There he meets the equally lonely Yukinoshita Yukino, and the two can’t seem to get along. With vastly different methods of helping each other, the two navigate their lives while also helping out others as part of their duties, and this experience will forever change their lives.

Watch On Crunchyroll

5

Magi Is One Of The Best Fantasy

Based on the Manga by Shinobu Ohtaka

Thanks in part to this anime, the Magi manga outsold big series like Naruto and Bleach over many years. The anime is hilarious, has an incredibly interesting power system, and great world-building. Although it has lots of fan service that not everyone will enjoy, Magi offers so much that crowning it the best fantasy anime isn’t ludicrous.

The series follows Alladin and Alibaba, who go on adventures and conquer dungeons for treasure, wealth, and power from the Djinn. Aladdin discovers he is the Magi, and is destined to crown Alibaba as a King. The two’s adventures take them around the world, and Alladin’s role as the Magi means he has the responsibility to guide the world from hatred and into an age of peace.

Watch On Crunchyroll

4

Mob Psycho 100 Is Rivaled By Few

Based on the Web Manga by One

There are very few anime that are as beloved as Studio Bones’ Mob Psycho 100, and it is one of the best-rated anime ever. Many people came for the incredible animation and fights that took over the internet on numerous occasions and stayed for the heart-touching story of Shigeo “Mob” and his coming-of-age story. It has also stayed true to ONE’s unique style, which gave the anime an interesting art direction that further differentiated it from others in the action landscape.

Blessed with incredible psychic powers, Mob is not interested in using his gift, but instead just wants to live the life of a normal middle schooler despite being the farthest thing from one. He works on himself and tries to improve as he works under the sleazy yet surprisingly kind Reigen, who uses Shigeo’s power to exorcise curses for money. The two go on an incredibly hilarious journey that sees them improve as humans while providing some of the best entertainment.

Watch On Netflix

3

Attack On Titan Changed Shonen Anime Forever

Based on the manga by Hajime Isayama

Attack On Titan is one of the biggest anime the industry has ever seen. It was partially responsible for the surge of popularity in anime that started in the 2010s. From the incredible visuals, absurd animation, and masterful composition, this series keeps the viewers on their toes and keeps them guessing, as there are so many bombshells and plot twists that it is almost impossible to guess what’s next. However, Isayama’s use of shock does not overwrite the deep and meaningful story at the base of this anime.

With humanity driven to cower behind walls by the man-eating Titans, Eren’s hate for the creatures is sparked when he witnesses his mother being killed by one. He enlists in the Scouts years later with his friends Mikasa and Armin, and they throw themselves into a conspiracy spanning centuries, changing their lives and the world as a whole.

Watch On Crunchyroll

2

Vinland Saga Is A Historical Masterpiece

Based on the Manga by Makoto Yukimura

The highly acclaimed Vinland Saga manga was long overdue for an anime adaptation, and when it happened, it lived up to the quality of the source material. There was a studio change after season 1 that might’ve spelled doom for most anime, but luckily seasib 2 was an incredible ride too. Although the action is as amazing as it gets, Vinland Saga is at its core a series revolving around finding oneself and working to atone for your sins.

Thorfinn is a young Viking kid fascinated by the land of Vinland, a luscious land that has no slavery or war and has plenty of food. However, his dream is interrupted when his father is brutally murdered by Askelad, and Thorfinn’s life is taken over by revenge. Going all over Europe and fighting in many wars, Thorfinn’s quest for vengeance soon comes to an end, and he is left with the sins that he accumulated. Thus begins his true journey to Vinland and a world without war.

Watch On Crunchyroll

1

Hunter X Hunter Is Still Hard to Surpass

Based on the Manga by Yoshihiro Tohashi

Quite possibly the best remake of an anime, the second Hunter X Hunter isn’t just the best anime of the 2010s, it is one of the best anime ever created. It does everything right and some more. The music was perfect, the animation was amazing and consistent, and the story was one of the most exhilarating plots conjured. The praise for this series is unending, and it has already left its mark on the entertainment industry for its superb production.

Gon sets out of his home island in pursuit of being a Hunter and finding his father, who left when he was young. Unfortunately, his father is one of the greatest Hunters, and finding him will be one of his toughest tasks. On his journey, he meets lifelong friends, takes on some of the most dangerous criminals, and helps stop a world invasion. Although the adventures seem all over the place, Hunter X Hunter‘s transition from one journey to the next is so seamless that it lets viewers enjoy this incredible story.

Watch On Netflix