Best Years For Anime

Best Years For Anime

Key Takeaways

  • 2015 was highlighted by the rise of Saitama in One Punch Man, solidifying anime’s mainstream status.
  • 2009 produced iconic shonen like Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, cementing it as one of the genre’s best years.
  • 2019 was a standout year with hits like Demon Slayer, attracting new fans and providing a variety of gems for all viewers.

As a seasoned anime enthusiast with over two decades of dedication to this captivating art form, I must say that each year mentioned here holds a special place in my heart. However, if I were to pick one year that truly stood out and left an indelible mark on my anime journey, it would be 2006.


In the 1990s, anime gained significant global popularity with series like Pokemon, Digimon, and others becoming household names. Today, it stands as a major aspect of Japanese culture, with numerous remarkable shows emerging over this period.

It’s true that certain years have left a particularly strong impact on the world of anime, and the series that debuted during those years significantly contributed to its current status. Naturally, opinions might differ when it comes to identifying these “golden years” of anime, as what one person might deem exceptional may not resonate with another. Nevertheless, there are years that undeniably stand out for their significant contributions to the medium.

10 2015

The Year Of Saitama’s Rise

Underrated ShowsBlood Blockade Battlefront, Seraph Of The End, Owarimonogatari
Most Popular ShowOne Punch Man
Highest Rated ShowGintama

Back in the groove of the gaming world here! Let me tell you, anime has taken over like no one’s business these days, but it wasn’t always this way. The 2010s played a massive role in its transformation, and one year that truly made a mark was 2015. For those of us who were already deeply into the anime scene, 2015 unleashed an explosion – the sensation that was “One Punch Man.” This show, with its unique take on overpowered protagonists and heroes, became an instant phenomenon. The first season was a smash hit!

2015 had more than just a few treats in store. Isekai enthusiasts were gifted “Overlord,” which premiered during that time. There was also “Death Parade,” filled with deep philosophical questions, and the undeniably exciting culinary show, “Food Wars!”. For those who lean towards romance, “My Love Story” was introduced as well. All in all, 2015 was a treasure trove of great releases, making it one of the standout periods for anime enthusiasts.

9 2009

2009 Produced Some Of The Greatest Shonen Ever

Underrated ShowsSummer Wars, Sengoku Basara
Most Popular ShowFullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Highest Rated ShowFullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

Shonen anime, a genre that’s widely recognized and often linked to the concept of anime itself, deserves special attention and acclaim for its exceptional content. The year 2009 stands out as an exceptional period in shonen history, showcasing some of the genre’s finest productions.

In the same year, the popular anime series Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood was released, which held the top spot on MyAnimeList until 2024. Following suit, another beloved series, Fairy Tail, premiered that year as well. Despite its critics, there’s no denying its status as an iconic show. Additionally, the classic anime Inuyasha and other must-watch titles such as Pandora Hearts and From Me To You, also debuted that year.

8 2019

The Best Year Of The Modern Era

Underrated ShowsBlade Of The Immortal, Babylon
Most Popular ShowDemon Slayer
Highest Rated ShowShingeki no Kyojin (Season 3, Part 2)

Typically, there’s a TV series that draws in a large number of anime enthusiasts. Previously, it was “Naruto”, and later “Attack on Titan” gained a new following. However, no year has been as great for attracting new fans as 2019. The popular series, “Demon Slayer”, debuted this year and was extremely successful. Its first movie, “Mugen Train”, even surpassed all other anime movies in box office success.

1998 was a remarkable year for anime enthusiasts, as it marked the debut of “Vinland Saga,” introducing Thorfinn to the world for the first time. Additionally, it saw the release of the remake of “Dororo,” and the initial season of “Shield Hero” stirred up controversy. Notable underrated gems from that year include “Carole and Tuesday” and “Blade of The Immortal.

7 1988

The Year Of Heavy-Hitting Anime Movies

Underrated ShowsStarship Troopers, Little Lord Fauntleroy
Most Popular ShowAkira
Highest Rated ShowGinga Eiyuu Densetsu

In addition to the annual series animes fans eagerly anticipate, there are also exceptional anime movies worth mentioning. The year 1988, for instance, produced some timeless classics, with “Akira” being one of the most notable. This movie continues to be referenced in popular culture today.

1945 was a year that saw the release of both the heart-wrenching World War II drama, “Grave of the Fireflies,” and the more whimsical “My Neighbor Totoro.” However, it’s important to note that there were also some outstanding series from that year. These included the epic space opera, “Legend of the Galactic Heroes,” and the lesser-known yet timeless classic, “Crying Freeman.

6 2007

The Year Of The Trigger Masterpiece

Underrated ShowsBaccano, Shigurui
Most Popular ShowNaruto: Shippuden
Highest Rated ShowTengen Toppa Gurren Lagann

Studio Trigger has gained significant recognition for their exceptional mecha anime series and thrilling combat scenes. It could be said that they truly made a lasting impact in the world of anime with the 2007 release of the critically-acclaimed “Tengen Toppa Guren Lagann”. This action-packed show continues to be a must-watch for mecha enthusiasts and those considering delving into the genre.

Additionally noteworthy were the releases of the lengthy saga, “Naruto: Shippuden” with over 500 episodes, and the controversial series, “Claymore”, which ended abruptly without resuming. Furthermore, the underappreciated masterpiece, “Darker Than Black”, the timeless yet baffling “Baccano”, and the aesthetically pleasing “Mononoke” were also part of the mix.

5 2014

A Strong Year For Almost Every Genre Of Anime

Underrated ShowsAmagi Brilliant Park, Noragami, Barakamon
Most Popular ShowTokyo Ghoul
Highest Rated ShowMushishi Zoku Shou (Season 2)

2010s was a fantastic decade for anime, and 2014, following an extraordinary year like 2013, offered some truly legendary shows. Among them, perhaps the most notable was the debut of the gripping thriller, “Tokyo Ghoul”. The tale of Kaneki Ken transforming into a bloodthirsty creature left a lasting impression on viewers and remains one of the standout shows of the year. Other blockbusters from that year included “Your Lie In April”, which continues to evoke emotion in many during April, “Parasyte: The Maxim”, an exceptional thriller, and the harrowing “Akame Ga Kill”.

2014 offered an array of fantastic shows spanning various genres, such as Noragami, a captivating shonen series, No Game, No Life that sparked the interest of Isekai enthusiasts, Yona Of The Dawn for Reverse Harem fans, Fate/Stay Night: Unlimited Blade Works for animation aficionados, and Haikyuu for sports anime lovers. Essentially, there was a little something for everyone in 2014.

4 2012

The Birth Of Isekai

Underrated ShowsBERSERK: The Golden Age Arc I – The Egg of the King, Another
Most Popular ShowSword Art Online
Highest Rated ShowGintama: Enchousen

2012 didn’t mark the birth of isekai; instead, it was a significant year as it saw the release of the groundbreaking series “Sword Art Online.” Although some may have reservations about the anime, it’s essential to acknowledge its impact on the isekai subgenre.

Additionally, while that grand spectacle unfolded, other notable shows graced our screens as well. For instance, there was “Psycho Pass,” an anime whose villain continues to be iconic among fans. Moreover, cultured viewers might recall that it was during this time that “Highschool DxD” first appeared. Lastly, the horror genre saw a breakout star in “Another.

3 2011

The Start Of An Excellent Streak

Underrated ShowsBunny Drop, Gosick, Sket Dance
Most Popular ShowHunter x Hunter
Highest Rated ShowSteins;Gate

2011 marked the commencement of a golden era for anime, which lasted from 2011 to 2015, but it was in 2011 when things truly took off, with the debut of one of the finest shonen series ever created: “Hunter x Hunter”. This legendary work is still incomplete by Yoshihiro Togashi, and although this leaves fans on edge, it does contribute to the enduring allure of its captivating narrative.

2011 was unforgettable too, with standout series like Steins;Gate, Anohana, Fate/Zero, Deadman Wonderland, Puella Magi Madoka Magica, and the less recognized Sket Dance. It’s no surprise that 2011 is often hailed as one of the most remarkable years in anime history.

2 1998

The Year Of The Cool Protagonists

Underrated ShowsGolga 13, Outlaw Star
Most Popular ShowCowboy Bebop
Highest Rated ShowCowboy Bebop

1998 marked the debut of an exceptionally impactful anime series, one that has since been hailed as one of the greatest ever produced – none other than “Cowboy Bebop”. This space western continues to be celebrated for its compelling lead character, Spike. Meanwhile, another memorable protagonist graced our screens in the form of Vash from “Trigun” that very same year.

1998 marked a significant milestone as it was the year that the OVA, “One Piece: Defeat the Pirate Ganzack!”, brought the legendary series to the screen for the first time. Although the show itself wouldn’t officially begin until 1999, the groundwork was laid in the year before.

1 2006

The Defining Year Of Anime

Underrated ShowsErgo Proxy, Kenichi
Most Popular ShowDeath Note
Highest Rated ShowGintama

2006 marked a significant shift in anime fandom, as it was the year when numerous fans discovered and fell for diverse genres. Two memorable characters, Light Yagami from “Death Note” and Lelouch Lamperouge from “Code Geass,” emerged in 2006, each with their unique take on the anti-hero concept. These characters have since left an indelible mark as cultural icons, shaping the popularity of the anti-hero trope in anime.

2006 was a banner year for anime, with standout titles like “Hellsing Ultimate” offering a thrilling blend of action and horror, and “Ouran High School Host Club” delivering heartwarming romance. Another popular choice was “Gintama,” a comedy series that boasted multiple entries in the top 50 on MyAnimeList. Additionally, “Ergo Proxy,” “Black Lagoon,” “Reborn!,” “Nana,” and “Fate/Stay Night” were also among the most talked-about anime of the year. “Fate/Stay Night” was actually the first installment in the “Fate” series at the time.

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2024-11-13 07:34