10 Iconic 2010s Anime That Deserve the Title of Masterpiece

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The 2010s stood out as a golden age for anime, producing exceptional series that broke new ground and reimagined the capabilities of the medium. These ranged from nerve-wracking psychological thrillers to deeply emotional dramas capable of stirring genuine emotion, including tears. This decade saw the emergence of works that rose above mere entertainment, becoming powerful artistic expressions instead.

Here, we honor ten exceptional anime series from the 2010s, each having carved out a niche in the hall of legendary works.

10.
Guilty Crown

The Power That Should Never Have Been Given

Back in 2011, Guilty Crown captured my attention right off the bat with its mind-blowing animation and music, all thanks to the masterminds at Production I.G. and ryo of supercell. In this futuristic Japan, a lethal virus has left the nation under the iron fist of the GHQ military regime. I, as an ordinary high schooler, suddenly find myself with a unique power – the “Void Genome”. This mysterious ability lets me pull weapons from others’ very hearts!

The anime initiates with intrigue: hidden uprisings, heart-wrenching deceit, and a lead character unexpectedly given control of the world’s destiny. However, Guilty Crown distinguishes itself by its descent into complexity. Shu is not your average hero; his ethical dilemmas, mental collapse, and ascent to power seem distressingly authentic. It poses a challenging query: what might transpire if an individual were granted divine authority but lacked the fortitude to utilize it responsibly?

During its initial broadcast, it garnered a mix of positive and negative feedback, but its captivating visuals, intriguing premise, and powerfully moving scenes cultivated a devoted following. Of particular note is its opening theme song, “My Dearest” by EGOIST, which has left an indelible mark on the anime community in the past decade for its haunting beauty. The English dub, handled by FUNimation, effectively conveys the emotional depth, particularly in the latter half where the tension escalates dramatically.

9.
Mob Psycho 100

The Boy Who Didn’t Want to Be Special

Initially, Mob Psycho 100 may deceive you with its eccentric character styles and anarchic humor, but beneath its outlandish facade lies a profoundly introspective story of the past decade. Crafted by ONE, who is also the genius behind One Punch Man, this 2016 anime revolves around Shigeo Kageyama, more commonly known as “Mob”, a seemingly ordinary boy with psychic abilities so powerful that he’s consistently terrified of losing self-control.

To be honest, I’m not yearning for the hero mantle like some might think. I don’t crave conflict or seek out battles. What I truly desire is a life that’s ordinary, where I can hone my running skills, capture the admiration of my childhood crush, and foster friendships without relying on my powers to do so.

In this series, every instance of extreme, otherworldly aggression has a basis in deep emotional turmoil. Mob doesn’t destroy cities for the sake of dramatic effect; rather, it’s his response to being pushed beyond his limits. And when he chooses not to retaliate, that quiet restraint speaks volumes.

As a gaming enthusiast, I can’t help but marvel at Studio Bones’ dedication to animating this series with hand-drawn sequences that transcend traditional anime, resembling avant-garde art instead. The second season stands out for its bold departure from shonen tropes, placing emotional growth above power scaling as the ultimate testament to a character’s strength.

Crunchyroll and Bang Zoom! Entertainment’s dub, notably, features a compelling portrayal by Kyle McCarley, who delivers a subtle yet impactful performance as Mob.

8.
Violet Evergarden

Learning to Feel Again

Violet Evergarden isn’t merely striking; it’s deeply touching and moving. Launched by Kyoto Animation in 2018, this was one of their most ambitious projects, both in terms of visual appeal and profound thematic depth. The show focuses on Violet, a former child soldier who takes up the role of a ghostwriter, tasked with expressing others’ emotions through heartfelt letters. However, she struggles to comprehend emotions herself.

In every episode, we find a self-contained narrative exploring themes such as sorrow, remorse, affection, or reunions, with Violet serving as both an onlooker and eventually, part of the emotional journey. As she pens each letter, she subtly evolves a little more, demonstrating masterful storytelling at its best.

In the time since the devastating fire at Kyoto Animation in 2019, the anime series Violet Evergarden has taken on an even greater meaning. It serves as a representation of the studio’s core values: heartfelt narratives, stunning visuals, and a dedication to fostering empathy among people.

In the Netflix-produced English version, the director took great care, with Erika Harlacher lending her voice to Violet in a way that perfectly captured the subtle vulnerability the character needed.

7.
Noragami

The God You Forgot to Worship

2014 saw the arrival of Noragami, refreshing urban fantasy fans with its unique take on the genre. The series revolves around Yato, a minor deity without a shrine, who yearns for worship and adoration. To achieve this, he takes on odd jobs for just five yen and finds temporary shelter in alleyways. However, his life becomes more intricate when he encounters Hiyori Iki, a girl whose spirit frequently leaves her body, and Yukine, a tormented spirit who transforms into his weapon.

Initially, the storyline in Noragami begins as light-hearted and humorous; however, it soon delves into deeper, more poignant themes. This world, a delicate balance between life and death, is inhabited by spirits who linger excessively. The action sequences, animated by Studio Bones, are sleek and fashionable, demonstrating a meticulous focus on speed and rhythm that breathes life into each confrontation. Yet, the story’s most powerful blows are emotional.

In Season 2 of Noragami Aragoto, we delve deeper into Yato’s history, uncovering a deity molded not by aspiration but by remorse. His connection with Yukine, a spirit grappling with past wounds, presents one of the most complex mentor-pupil ties in anime.

As a passionate gamer, I can’t help but express my excitement for the potential return of Noragami! Though we haven’t received an official confirmation about Season 3 yet, this series continues to resonate deeply among fans. The English dub by FUNimation does an exceptional job in bringing both the humor and emotional intensity of the story to life. I personally find Jason Liebrecht’s portrayal of Yato particularly captivating!

6.
Your Lie in April

The Sound Of Cherry Blossoms Falling

scarcely any anime effectively convert music into raw feelings as Your Lie in April does. This series was launched in 2014, and its narrative revolves around Kousei Arima, a gifted pianist who ceased performing following the demise of his abusive mother. He’s emotionally immobilized until Kaori Miyazono, a violinist known for her passionate, free-spirited concerts and optimistic perspective on life, enters his world.

In this anime, each performance seems more like a heartfelt revelation than just a demonstration of musical talent. Kaori’s performances shatter all technical rules yet imbue every note with significance. Kousei’s performances resonate with his sorrow, his apprehension, and his yearning. The animation during these scenes syncs perfectly with the music, using shifting lights, intense close-ups, and visual symbols to mirror the rhythm.

Although it has a romantic feel, this isn’t your typical love tale. Instead, it’s a narrative that serves as an inspiration. It shows how the right person, arriving at just the right instant, can revive you, even if just briefly, proving that there’s more to life than meets the eye.

In this version, the dub (supervised by Aniplex of America) has earned acclaim for its ability to capture deep emotions. Max Mittelman and Erica Lindbeck take the helm in an impressive voice cast.

5.
Made in Abyss

Whistle Down the Hole and Hope You Come Back

Made in Abyss might appear to have a whimsical art style reminiscent of children’s cartoons, but it’s far from child-friendly. Produced by Kinema Citrus in 2017, this anime adaptation of Akihito Tsukushi’s manga offers an unforgettable exploration into a unique world, a blend of enchantment and terror that plunges viewers into one of the most creative anime settings seen in recent decades.

The Abyss is a gigantic, inexplicable hole in the earth, challenging our understanding, reason, and human capabilities. Its strata conceal precious relics from long-lost civilizations, mythical beings, and creatures that are part wonder, part horror. However, with each descent, you pay a price. Adventurers called Abyss Divers plunge into its mysteries, aware that the climb out triggers dreadful physical and psychological side effects, known as the Abyssal Curse.

This tale centers around Riko, an optimistic orphan who harbors the aspiration of emulating her missing mother, a renowned White Whistle who vanished within the Abyss. Accompanied by Reg, a puzzling android endowed with a human-like emotion, they journey deeper, tier after tier, as the risk escalates with each descended meter.

The initial 13-episode series concludes with a chilling finale that sent shockwaves through viewers, particularly episode 10, which continues to be frequently mentioned as one of the most intense and distressing episodes in the realm of anime, due to its profound emotional and physical impact.

Kevin Penkin’s soundtrack stands out; its melancholic tunes resonate with the enigma of the Abyss. An English version of the dialogue is accessible.

4.
Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World

Dying Is Easy. Living Through It Is the Real Curse.

In the 2010s, there was an explosion of stories about ordinary people being transported to magical realms, known as the isekai craze. However, none made quite the impact or caught us off guard like Re:Zero, which debuted in 2016 and significantly altered the typical power-fantasy theme by making the protagonist’s “power” into a harrowing reality instead.

Subaru Natsuki is simply a typical man on his way home from a convenience store, but his ordinary life takes an extraordinary turn when he stumbles upon a mystical realm resembling a medieval fantasy. However, this world lacks the common tropes of overpowering magic or game-like cheats. Instead, Subaru’s unique skill is “Resurrection Upon Death”: each time he meets his end, he reappears at an earlier moment in time, retaining all his memories. The twist? No one else recalls the events that transpired, and the agony – both emotional and physical – is genuine with every respawn.

As a gamer diving headfirst into this isekai world, I thought I knew what to expect – the usual tropes, the predictable storyline. But boy, was I wrong! This show doesn’t just stick to the script; it twists and turns in ways that leave you questioning everything.

Initially, it seemed like a comfortable ride down memory lane, but then, wham! It plunged me, and the viewers, into a rollercoaster of despair, guilt, and trauma. Every time Subaru tries to mend a mess, he uncovers something even darker lurking beneath. The weight of each death eats away at his mental health, leaving him shattered and broken.

3.
Tomodachi Game

Trust No One

Initially unnoticed when it debuted in April 2022, Tomodachi Game soon garnered a devoted fanbase captivated by its intricate mind games and deceitful maneuvers. Originating from a manga that started in 2013, the anime series follows Yuuichi Katagiri and his companions as they’re compelled to engage in cruel “friendship games” to settle an enigmatic debt.

This intriguing series delves deep into the delicate bonds of friendship, uncovering the hidden cracks in relationships that appear strong. As the story unfolds and games are played, each character’s underlying personality emerges under stress, surprising viewers with unexpected twists that compel them to reconsider their initial opinions about the characters.

What sets Tomodachi Game apart is its bold portrayal of a protagonist, Yuuichi, who isn’t afraid to get involved in less-than-honorable activities. Unlike other shows where the main character usually remains morally upright, Yuuichi demonstrates skills in manipulation and deceit that are on par with those of the game’s administrators. This leaves viewers in a dilemma about who to support.

In a less showy manner, Okuruto Noboru’s animation stands out through its exceptional portrayal of facial expressions, masterfully depicting the nuanced transitions between genuine emotions and deceit, which form the heart of the storyline. The series skillfully employs color psychology, using delicate shifts in lighting to subtly reveal character intentions.

Despite having only been adapted into an anime for one season so far, it delves into merely the initial stages of a lengthy manga storyline. Its intelligent scripting, surprising plot twists, and deep examination of human behavior under intense situations have earned it recognition as one of the most overlooked masterpieces in psychological thriller series from the recent decade.

2.
Attack on Titan

Beyond The Walls Lies Freedom

In 2013, Attack on Titan was like a bolt of lightning. Its initial release surpassed all expectations, with its intense violence, chilling mystery, and a setting where humans lived in perpetual terror of man-eating titans. Initially portraying a survival horror, it soon transformed into one of the most politically and morally intricate anime series of the decade.

Eren Yeager watches in horror as his mother is swallowed by a colossal creature known as a Titan, which ignites a thirst for vengeance within him. Accompanied by Mikasa and Armin, he enlists in the Scout Regiment to battle these Titans, monstrous beings that have confined the remaining humans behind immense walls.

With each passing season, Attack on Titan kept transforming itself. The Titans weren’t as they appeared. Neither were the walls, the adversaries, or even the protagonists. WIT Studio’s mastery in the initial three seasons produced some of the most awe-inspiring animation seen, while MAPPA took over for the concluding seasons, introducing a rawer and more cinematic atmosphere.

The intricate construction of the show’s setting is impressive, and its themes – freedom, war, trauma, nationalism – become increasingly resonant as you delve deeper into it. The transformation from a struggle against monsters to a struggle against ideologies wasn’t just a surprising turn, but a complete overhaul of the story’s underlying principles.

In 2023, the anime concluded as “Attack on Titan: The Last Seasons” came to an end. Opinions on its conclusion are varied, but few dispute the significant cultural influence this series had. It ignited conversations about morality and viewpoint in the world of anime like never before, becoming a hot topic in many fan communities.

1.
Steins;Gate

The Butterfly Effect, but Make It Heartbreaking

2011 saw the debut of Steins;Gate, a science fiction anime masterpiece modeled after its namesake visual novel. Unlike many action-packed or monster-filled anime, it captured audiences with intricate time travel plots, heartfelt storytelling, and suspense that escalated unexpectedly.

In Akihabara, the narrative unfolds around Rintarou Okabe, a self-styled scientist with eccentric tendencies, who together with his peculiar companions, stumbles upon a method to communicate with the past by modifying a microwave and a cellphone. Initially seen as a whimsical endeavor, it eventually evolves into an unforeseen chain of events leading to disasters across parallel worlds.

Initially, the narrative embraces everyday humor combined with a touch of sci-fi, introducing charming characters such as Mayuri, intelligent Kurisu, and quirky Daru. However, when events start unfolding in a non-linear manner, the atmosphere undergoes a significant transformation. Every choice, every “D-mail,” has far-reaching consequences, leaving Okabe struggling to reverse a future that seems unwarranted.

This anime refrains from using unrealistic science for dramatic effect. Instead, it skillfully combines realistic scientific principles with compelling narratives. The show primarily focuses on the personal consequences of time travel rather than explaining its mechanics in detail.

In 2018, the sequel titled “Steins;Gate 0” was launched, presenting a different scenario where Rintarou Okabe decides to abandon his mission. This version takes a somber and melancholic turn, offering rich layers to the initial narrative.

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2025-05-21 22:11