The Best 2010s Anime Ranked

The Best 2010s Anime Ranked

Some of my favorite anime of all time had began in the 2010s. The medium reached new heights in this period, and many unconventional methods of storytelling were explored in these shows. I hope you like this list, I definitely enjoyed making it. Have fun and tell us know if you agree!

For more great recommendations:

10. KonoSuba (2016 - Now)

Let's start this off with something light-hearted and fun. KonoSuba may be the funniest anime that has come out in the last 14 years. The show plays with standard Isekai tropes and flips them on their head. The main characters surprise you so many times with the way they act. I have watched this alone and I still had to laugh audibly every episode. Definitely check this one out!

9. Tokyo Ghoul (2014)

The city of Tokyo drenched in darkness in blood. Tokyo Ghoul presents a supernatural story full of brutal fights and interesting character designs. Our protagonist Kaneki looks especially cool, with his one red eye, signifying his 'ghoulness' but also that he is still human in his heart. I found it intriguing to have sort of a vampire type character struggle with his desire to eat humans.

8. One Punch Man (2015 - Now)

This is an anime with a unique premise. Saitama is strong… too strong. A superhero that ends his villains in one punch wouldn't make for great TV on paper, but it actually does. With its quick wit and awesome visuals, One Punch Man succeeds in a task that was thought impossible. A must-watch for any anime fan.

7. Mob Psycho 100 (2016 - 2022)

When this show aired, people called it One Punch Man but with psychic powers. The thing is, Mob Psycho 100 is so much more than that. The art style takes an expressionistic approach, conveying the feelings of the characters through its abstract visuals. The action in this show is breathtaking, and the comedy is outstanding.

6. Demon Slayer (2019 - Now)

This show would be your standard anime about hunting monsters if not for one thing. The visuals. Demon Slayer took everyone by surprise by having one of, if not, the best looking animated sequences in all media. Couple that with the soundtrack that lifts you up to Nirvana and you have a rightfully successful anime that draws you in from the first second. Also, Inosuke is the best character.

5. Steins;Gate (2011 - 2015)

Twists on twists on twists. This is the easiest way to describe the remarkable show Steins;Gate. This anime will take your brain and throw it right across your room, the way it blows your mind. I can't really get into explaining stuff to avoid spoilers, but I will say, that there's a reason for the hype this show has been getting. Go watch it, you won't be disappointed.

4. Haikyuu!! (2014 - 2020)

I would have never imagined that an anime about high school volleyball would hook me as much as this did. Every character has a stake in this story, and everyone gets to shine. The matches themselves are so exciting that you're sitting on the edge of your seat for the whole thing. The relationships between the characters make this show really standout as a modern classic.

3. Vinland Saga (2019 - 2023)

Some say this is the best anime that came out in the 2010s, and for good reason. WIT STUDIO have already proven what they're capable of with Attack on Titan, and Vinland Saga only adds to that. The revenge plot of the main character makes for an exciting story, with lots of deep emotional stakes. Also, I have to talk about the opening song, 'Mukanjyo'. It is a rare occurrence for me that I get goosebumps from a metal song, because normally I listen to other genres, but this is a must-hear. Please listen to the song and watch this show!

2. Hunter x Hunter (2011 - 2014)

To pick the second place on this list was very hard for me. Hunter x Hunter is an incredible show, with a setting that is able to basically tell any story it wants. Classic shōnen tournament arc, video game adventure, crime city thriller, you name it. Yoshihiro Togashi, the author, crafted characters, that are morally ambiguous, lovable and tragic at the same time. This show also has the most well-thought-out magic system that I have ever seen. Somehow, everything makes sense within the confines of Nen. The concept of restricting yourself to make your abilities more powerful and that the source and limit of your power is only your resolve, is such a simple but elegant solution. Gon and the gang take the number 2 spot here.

1. Attack on Titan (2013 - 2023)

Since my second favorite anime of all time is in second place, my favorite one takes the cake. Attack on Titan is an anime unlike any other. It has some of the greatest action sequences, iconic characters, compelling voice acting in both the original and the English dub, and on top of it all, one of the most exciting mysteries put on screen. And don't get me started on the soundtrack. Go listen to 'Vogel im Käfig' right now, and tell me you didn't get goosebumps. It's rare to see that characters, who you didn't think would survive the first season, become key players in the big scheme of it all so organically. I care about this story, and I care deeply about its characters. Deserved number one.