Top 10 Years for Anime: A Ranked List of the Best

Top 10 Years for Anime: A Ranked List of the Best

Essential Insights on Anime’s Best Years

  • 2009 is remembered for legendary shonen series such as Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, marking it as a pivotal year in anime history.
  • 2019 stands out for its groundbreaking hits like Demon Slayer, which introduced a new wave of fans and diverse offerings for all genres.

Anime’s global popularity surged in the 1990s, thanks to classics like Pokemon and Digimon. Today, it is one of Japan’s most significant cultural exports, showcasing a range of unique and influential shows that have emerged over the years.

Nevertheless, some years in anime history shine brighter than others, with specific releases playing a transformative role in the industry. While preferences for the “best years in anime”can be subjective, certain years can be widely acknowledged for their remarkable contributions.

10. Year of Saitama’s Ascendancy (2015)

Significant Releases

Saitama from One Punch Man

The year 2015 played a crucial role in solidifying anime’s mainstream acceptance, marked by the debut of One Punch Man, which cleverly parodied the trope of overpowered heroes. Fans were also treated to notable titles such as Overlord, Death Parade, and Food Wars!, catering to a variety of tastes from action to romance.

Underrated Shows Blood Blockade Battlefront, Seraph of the End, Owarimonogatari
Most Popular Show One Punch Man
Highest Rated Show Gintama

9. Iconic Shonen Year (2009)

Noteworthy Contributions

Characters from various 2009 Anime

2009 is often hailed as a golden year for the shonen genre. The release of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, which became the highest-rated anime on MyAnimeList until 2024, alongside Fairy Tail and Inuyasha, showcased some of the best storytelling and character development. Other notable series include Pandora Hearts and From Me to You.

Underrated Shows Summer Wars, Sengoku Basara
Most Popular Show Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Highest Rated Show Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

8. The Modern Era’s Best Year (2019)

Defining Releases

Characters from Demon Slayer

2019 was transformative for anime, drawing in new viewers with hits such as Demon Slayer. Its remarkable success continued with the production of Mugen Train, which became the highest-grossing anime film. Additionally, the year introduced audiences to Vinland Saga and the reimagined Dororo, alongside a diversity of hidden jewels like Carole and Tuesday.

Underrated Shows Blade of the Immortal, Babylon
Most Popular Show Demon Slayer
Highest Rated Show The Beginning of the 20th Century (Season 3, Part 2)

7. Heavy-Hitter Anime Movies Year (1988)

Prominent Releases

Grave of the Fireflies

In 1988, a plethora of landmark anime films emerged, laying the groundwork for future classics. Akira, known for its revolutionary animation and storytelling, debuted this year, alongside emotional masterpieces like Grave of the Fireflies and charming narratives such as My Neighbor Totoro.

Underrated Shows Starship Troopers, Little Lord Fauntleroy
Most Popular Show Akira
Highest Rated Show Ginga Eiyuu Densetsu

6. Year of the Trigger Masterpiece (2007)

Significant Contributions

Darker than Black Characters

2007 marked a significant milestone for Studio Trigger with the release of Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann, a series that embodied the essence of mecha anime. This year also saw the continuation of Naruto: Shippuden, which captivated a massive audience while many underrated series like Darker Than Black and Baccano left a lasting impact.

Underrated Shows Baccano, Shigurui
Most Popular Show Naruto: Shippuden
Highest Rated Show Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann

5. Diverse Genre Offerings (2014)

Cultural Impact

Scenes from Parasyte

The year 2014 sustained the remarkable reputation of the 2010s for anime, presenting a rich assortment across genres. Popular titles included the thrilling Tokyo Ghoul and emotionally charged Your Lie in April. The variety of releases catered to almost every anime enthusiast’s preference, including the beloved Haikyuu for sports fans and Noragami for shonen lovers.

Underrated Shows Amagi Brilliant Park, Noragami, Barakamon
Most Popular Show Tokyo Ghoul
Highest Rated Show Mushishi Zoku Shou (Season 2)

4. The Emergence of Isekai (2012)

Key Titles

Another Characters

2012 is often seen as a cornerstone for the isekai genre, largely credited to the release of Sword Art Online. Despite some mixed reviews from fans, its impact on the genre is undeniable. This year also featured the darker tones of Psycho Pass and the horror narrative of Another, broadening the spectrum of anime available to viewers.

Underrated Shows BERSERK: The Golden Age Arc I – The Egg of the King, Another
Most Popular Show Sword Art Online
Highest Rated Show Gintama: Enchosen

3. The Streak Begins (2011)

Notable Series

Steins;Gate Characters

The year 2011 laid the foundation for an impressive streak in anime production, introducing the captivating tale of Hunter x Hunter. Alongside this, fans witnessed the brilliance of Steins;Gate, Fate/Zero, and the emotionally charged Anohana. With such a powerful lineup, 2011 is frequently celebrated as one of anime’s finest years.

Underrated Shows Bunny Drop, Gosick, Sket Dance
Most Popular Show Hunter x Hunter
Highest Rated Show Steins;Gate

2. Cool Protagonists and Ground-Breaking Debuts (1998)

Defining Titles

Outlaw Star Characters

The year 1998 was pivotal for anime, marking the debut of Cowboy Bebop, which features one of the industry’s coolest protagonists, Spike Spiegel. This era also included characters like Vash from Trigun, solidifying the year as unforgettable. Furthermore, this year saw the birth of One Piece as it began to pave its way into mainstream popularity.

Underrated Shows Score 13, Outlaw Star
Most Popular Show Cowboy Bebop
Highest Rated Show Cowboy Bebop

1. The Defining Year of Anime (2006)

Milestone Productions

Code Geass Characters

In 2006, many anime fans were introduced to iconic series that would forever influence the medium. The anti-heroes Light from Death Note and Lelouch from Code Geass emerged as archetypal figures. The year was notable for its impressive array of shows like Gintama, Ergo Proxy, and Black Lagoon, establishing a variety of genres that attracted diverse audiences.

Underrated Shows Ergo Proxy, Kenichi
Most Popular Show Death Note
Highest Rated Show Gintama

Each of these years has contributed to the rich tapestry of the anime landscape, providing fans with unforgettable characters and stories. For those interested in exploring these pivotal periods further, there are a wealth of resources and recommendations available online.

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