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

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.

9. Iconic Shonen Year (2009)

Noteworthy Contributions

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.

8. The Modern Era’s Best Year (2019)

Defining Releases

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.

7. Heavy-Hitter Anime Movies Year (1988)

Prominent Releases

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.

6. Year of the Trigger Masterpiece (2007)

Significant Contributions

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.

5. Diverse Genre Offerings (2014)

Cultural Impact

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.

4. The Emergence of Isekai (2012)

Key Titles

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.

3. The Streak Begins (2011)

Notable Series

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.

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

Defining Titles

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.

1. The Defining Year of Anime (2006)

Milestone Productions

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.

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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