Anime really became a worldwide phenomenon in the 2010s. While the 1990s and 2000s were good years for the industry – with popular series like the “big three” shonen anime gaining traction – the 2010s saw anime’s popularity explode, thanks to the rise of streaming services that made it accessible to a global audience.
The competition for the best anime between 2010 and 2019 was incredibly strong. Many excellent shows were contenders, making it a fantastic decade for anime. A few truly outstanding series became the defining anime of their year, and some have continued to be popular into the 2020s. Others remain beloved as the highlights of the 2010s.
2010: The Tatami Galaxy
This is a Rare Example of a College Anime
Despite being a bit overlooked, The Tatami Galaxy is a wonderful slice-of-life anime that uniquely focuses on the college experience. While many anime target younger audiences with high school settings, it’s great to see a show exploring the challenges and excitement of early adulthood, making The Tatami Galaxy a truly refreshing watch.
Beyond its unique setting, The Tatami Galaxy truly stands out due to its excellent writing and innovative animation. While many slice-of-life anime are enjoyable, The Tatami Galaxy goes further with characters who are complex and feel genuinely realistic – more so than those in shows like Horimiya or Komi Can’t Communicate.
2011: Hunter x Hunter
Only the Hiatuses Hold This Anime Back
The popular manga Hunter x Hunter was adapted into anime in the late 1990s, but the 2011 anime version is considered the best. Sadly, because the manga frequently goes on break, the 2011 anime doesn’t seem likely to finish the story anytime soon. Despite this, it’s still a fantastic adventure.
Even now, the animation still looks good, but the story is even better. The Nen system is now considered just as creative and complex as the power systems in shows like Naruto and My Hero Academia, and the character designs are unique. While Hunter x Hunter uses common anime themes like tournaments and villain groups, it does so effectively.
2012: JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure
Phantom Blood Launched a True Shonen Anime Legend
I’ve been watching JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure for a while now, and it’s honestly just gotten better and better! While the very first part, Phantom Blood, was a bit of a starting point, it still had a lot of what makes the series so great. Plus, when it came out back in 2012, there wasn’t a ton of other anime competing for attention, so it really stood out. But things really hit their stride with the Diamond is Unbreakable arc – that’s where it truly became something special, in my opinion!
Whether you’re familiar with the later parts of the series or not, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure became the most popular anime of 2012. It was visually and audibly impressive, featuring a fantastic opening theme, and had a significant impact on fans. The anime successfully expanded the reach of Hirohiko Araki’s already excellent manga, and that’s what truly made it a success.
2013: Attack on Titan
This is One of the Best Anime in Any Decade
Attack on Titan is considered one of the best anime series of the last two decades, making its 2013 debut especially remarkable. The anime was highly anticipated, and the trailers hinted at a level of intense action and violence that hadn’t been seen before. The series then exceeded those expectations, delivering something truly exceptional.
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Attack on Titan excels in many ways, boasting stunning animation, a captivating soundtrack, and unpredictable plot twists that constantly surprise viewers, all while playing with and upholding common elements of the shonen genre. The series also sparks important conversations about the limits of freedom and security, and leaves fans debating whether Eren is a misguided antihero or a genuine villain empowered by the Founding Titan.
2014: Your Lie in April
Music, Drama, and Romance Blend Into the Perfect Package
Many anime shows feature music, like Bocchi the Rock! and Rock is a Lady’s Modesty, and stories about high school romance are also common. Heartbreaking dramas and stories about grief are popular too. While any anime that isn’t focused on action can be enjoyable with these elements, the 2014 series Your Lie in April combines them all into a particularly moving story centered around the theme of healing.
Kousei Arima needs to overcome the pain of his past and deal with current challenges to achieve his dream of becoming a pianist. He can’t let the memory of his mother or Kaori’s illness hold him back from finding happiness through music. This anime is about Kousei’s difficult but meaningful journey of growth and self-discovery.
2015: One-Punch Man
The Subversive Comedy Punched Its Way to the Top
I’ve noticed how much of a splash One-Punch Man has made in the comedy anime and manga world. It’s a really silly show, but surprisingly, it’s the heartfelt parts that truly connect with people. The jokes are funny, of course, but what really draws you in is Saitama’s search for purpose, and how he deals with his own internal struggles. Even though he’s unbelievably powerful, he’s still going through a lot on the inside, and that makes him relatable.
The show isn’t just thoughtful, though – it’s also funny and full of exciting action. One-Punch Man playfully spoofs the action anime genre while also exploring the underlying sadness of its main character, Saitama. The battles are great because Saitama and Genos face off against a wide range of interesting villains and monsters, some of whom offer commentary on current issues and what it means to be human.
2016: Mob Psycho 100
ONE is a Powerhouse in the Comedy Action Arena
ONE is a hugely popular manga and anime creator, especially considering his work began as simple online comics. He’s incredibly skilled at blending hilarious humor, thrilling action, and heartfelt stories, as seen in both One-Punch Man and Mob Psycho 100. Similar to Saitama, the main character in One-Punch Man, Shigeo Kageyama from Mob Psycho 100 is incredibly powerful, but deals with different kinds of challenges.
While Saitama wants to be a hero he can be proud of, Shigeo, nicknamed Mob, just wants a normal life and tries to avoid using his incredible psychic abilities. This might seem unusual, but it resonates with anyone who feels pressured to meet others’ expectations and doesn’t have time for personal interests or goals that truly matter.
2017: The Ancient Magus Bride
This Is a Good Anime For Fans of Frieren or Witch Hat Atelier
While many fantasy anime these days focus on characters being transported to another world, that isn’t what makes the genre great. Shows like Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End and Witch Hat Atelier prove that classic fantasy is still strong, but if you’re looking for something similar from a few years ago, The Ancient Magus’ Bride is an excellent choice. It’s perfect for anyone who enjoys Frieren, Witch Hat Atelier, or the magical worlds created in Studio Ghibli films.
The Ancient Magus’ Bride is a beautifully subtle fantasy anime set in Europe. It focuses on the magic of discovery and wonder, rather than battles and power. The story follows Chise Hatori’s journey, which emphasizes healing, empathy, and finding peaceful solutions, even with those who seem like enemies.
2018: That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime
Tensura May Be Routine, But It Stands as One of the Best Isekai Titles
Although the fantasy genre shouldn’t depend heavily on stories about people being transported to other worlds (isekai), some isekai titles are truly excellent. For every simple or overly self-focused isekai anime, there’s a hit like That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime (also known as Tensura). This show was a highlight in 2018 and continues to be popular, with new seasons airing as recently as Spring 2026.
Tensura took a common storyline and surprisingly succeeded, even though it faced challenges. The main character, Rimuru Tempest, is incredibly powerful and uses a wide range of magic to build alliances and safeguard his monster community. He’s also a skilled diplomat, constantly learning and improving. In fact, Rimuru is arguably the best political leader in the isekai genre, aware of his weaknesses yet always striving to become better.
2019: Kaguya-Sama: Love is War
The Best High School Rom-Com Adventure Began Here
Even though there are tons of high school romance comedies, Kaguya-Sama: Love is War really stands out. Many fans consider it the best anime of the late 2010s, offering a brilliantly funny and genuinely touching story. The show makes the familiar high school setting feel new again, focusing on the student council members as Kaguya and Miyuki try to outsmart each other to get the other to confess their feelings first.
The clever dialogue is excellent, but the show truly shines with its well-developed characters. Each person feels real, with relatable flaws and strengths as they navigate life. Even characters like the wealthy Kaguya Shinomiya grapple with personal issues, and many viewers will likely connect with the more introverted Yu Ishigami or feel empathy for the earnest, rule-following Miko Iino.
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2026-04-12 18:06