The best animation of the 2010s

There is no doubt that the animation industry has become a truly global behemoth in the 2010s. The 1990s were a pretty strong decade for the industry, and the 2000s were even stronger with the emergence of the Boys “Big Three” and other must-see titles. But in the 2010s, the proliferation of Japanese animation reached new heights and streaming technology advanced, allowing everyone around the world to dive into this amazing world.

That's why the competition for the best animation is fierce every year from 2010 to 2019. Many honorable mentions and runners-up helped fill out this amazing era of animation, with some true legends becoming the best animations of their respective years. Many of these anime marched right into the 2020s with no signs of slowing down, while others are content to remain in the 2010s as the decade's all-stars.

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2010: Tatami Galaxy

This is a rare example of college animation

The main character of Tatami Galaxy.
The main character of Tatami Galaxy.
Image via Science Saru.

tatami galaxy is an underrated animated short that dares to dive into a new realm of animation: college life. Considering the age of the medium's target audience, it's no surprise that many anime are set in high schools, but the industry needs more than that. thus, tatami galaxy It's a refreshing change of pace exploring new adulthood.

Regardless of the settings, tatami galaxy It shines thanks to its excellent writing and experimental animation. There are a lot of SOL animations. goodbut Tamami Galaxy is an unconventional, well-rounded character that feels more real than anything else out there. Horimiya or Comey can't communicate..

2011: Hunter x Hunter

Only interruptions interrupt this animation

Hunter × Hunter 03 Image via Madhouse

It became popular in the late 1990s. Hunter × Hunter Manga has entered the world of animation, and animation has its fans, but in 2011 Hunter × Hunter It's a definite experience. Unfortunately for fans, due to the comic's many infamous hiatuses, Hunter × Hunter's 2011 anime is ending soon, but the adventure is still worth it.

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The animation still holds up to some extent today, and the material itself is much more powerful than that. Nen has established itself as a combat system with: narutojutsu or My Hero Academia's Quirks have the added benefit of truly unique character designs. Hunter × Hunter It may indulge in a lot of shonen tropes like tournaments and gangs of villains, but it works.

2012: JoJo's Bizarre Adventure

Phantom Blood, a true shonen animation legend released

Dio Brando faces Jonathan Joestar.
Dio Brando faces Jonathan Joestar.
Image via David Productions.

over time jojo's bizarre adventure The animation gets stronger and stronger, reaching its peak in Diamond is Unbreakable Arc. Phantom Blood was just a warm-up, but it had many of the features that made the series so beloved, and the competition in 2012 wasn't all that strong anyway.

Whether or not there is a stronger arc later, jojo's bizarre adventure It was selected as the best animation of 2012. It looked and sounded great, included the original opening credits song, and had a huge impact. Hirohiko Araki's wonderful manga needed good animation to broaden the franchise's appeal, and the animation did just that, and that's the real triumph here.

2013: Attack on Titan

This is one of the best anime of the last decade.

attack on titan It has established itself as one of the greatest animated masterpieces of the past 20 years, meaning it only got better in 2013. There has never been a more anticipated anime release. attack on titanThe trailer promised carnage unlike anything viewers have ever seen. And it only got better from there. In fact, it's 10 times better.

Who is that character?

Check out the silhouette before time runs out.




Who is that character?

Check out the silhouette before time runs out.

Easy (7.5 seconds) Medium (5.0 seconds) Hard (2.5 seconds) Eternal Death (2.5 seconds)

Strengths List attack on titan From stunning visuals and thrilling OSTs to jaw-dropping plot twists that will always keep fans guessing, the sky's the limit while bucking and reinforcing shonen trends. attack on titan It also leaves fans talking about how far they will go for freedom or security, and leaves fans wondering if Eren is an anti-hero who was taken away or a true monster activated by the Founding Titans.

April 2014 was your lie

Music, drama, and romance blend into a perfect package.

Your Lie in April, Kosei and Kaori.
Your Lie in April, Kosei and Kaori.
Image via A-1 Pictures.

Many animations entertain their viewers with music such as: Bochy the Rock! and Rock is a woman's humilityMiddle and high school romances are also popular, as are heartbreaking dramas and sorrows. Any animation without action can be quite entertaining, but the 2014 work April is your lie All of this at once in a powerful package focused on healing.

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Kousei Arima must make peace with both his past and his present so that he can freely move forward into his future as a piano player on his own terms. Neither the ghost of his mother nor Kaori Miyazono's health problems should stop Kosei from becoming the happy piano player he always dreamed of. Kousei, even though he gets hurt, will grow a lot in this anime, and that's exactly what it means.

2015: One Punch Man

Subversive comedy rises to the top.

One Punch Man best episode Saitama vs Genos
One Punch Man best episodes

The world of comedy animation and manga has been greatly influenced. One Punch ManIt's actually a goofy anime that's most rooted in its serious moments. The humor is great, but what fans will keep watching is how Saitama's quest is built on a genuine desire to achieve something meaningful while overcoming mental strain. Being ridiculously OP doesn't stop Saitama from undergoing a rigorous internal journey.

But of course comedy and action also play their part. One Punch Man It is both a parody action anime and a character study of Saitama's depression. The fight pits Saitama and Genos against a delightful variety of villains and monsters, some of which have a lot to say about modern society or the potential of humanity.

2016: Mob Psycho 100

ONE is a powerhouse in the comedy action field.

Shigeo Kageyama looks happy.
Shigeo Kageyama looks happy.
Image via Studio Bones.

The creator known as ONE is a modern-day legend in the comics/animation field, although his work began as crudely drawn webtoons. ONE has an incredible talent for juggling off-kilter comedy, exciting action sequences, and meaningful personal narratives. One Punch Man and Mob Psycho 100. In particular, Shigeo Kageyama is naturally OP like Saitama, but his struggles aren't quite the same.

Unlike Saitama, who strives to become a hero he can be proud of, Shigeo/Mob is desperate to live a normal life without using his superpowers. It may not resonate very well at first, but it can speak to people who feel pressured to fulfill external obligations without having the opportunity to pursue quieter, more meaningful hobbies or goals.

2017: Ancient Magus Father

This is a good anime for fans of Frieren or Witch Hat Atelier.

Chise Hatori looks surprised.
Chise Hatori looks surprised.
Image via Studio Kafka.

The realm of fantasy animation doesn't need and shouldn't require a ton of isekai titles to thrive. More traditional fantasy is doing well now. Freeren: Beyond the end of the journey and witch hat atelierBut one of the best fantasy animations of the 2010s is The Ancient Magician's Bride. This anime is ideal for fans of: freeren or witch hat atelierOr, you can watch as many fantasy Studio Ghibli movies as you want.

The Ancient Magician's Bride It's quietly powerful as a European-based fantasy anime where wonder and discovery are more important than combat power or domination. It and Hatori Chise's quest are rooted in the power of healing, understanding others, and making peace with enemies whenever possible.

In 2018, I was reincarnated as a slime.

Tensura may be routine, but it's one of the best Isekai titles.

Rimuru casting the catfish spell.
Rimuru casting the catfish spell.
Image via Studio 8bit.

While fantasy worlds shouldn't rely too heavily on isekai to entertain fans with magic and dragons, some of the best isekai titles are still available. For every lazy escapist anime or debaucherous harem fantasy in the rest of the world, there's a winner like this: At that time I was reincarnated as a slime. This animation is also called tensurawas a standout in 2018 and is still going strong for the spring 2026 anime season.

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tensura You defy the odds by making the most of an all-too-familiar formula, playing this uncertain game and winning anyway. tensura's OP hero Rimuru Tempest uses a wide variety of magic to help convince his friends, protect various monster nations, and even test the waters of diplomacy. Rimuru is the best politician in Isekai who acknowledges his shortcomings but strives for growth.

2019: Kaguyasama: Love is War

The best high school rom-com adventure starts here

Kaguya Shinomiya is satisfied with her cell phone.
Kaguya Shinomiya is satisfied with her cell phone.
Image via A-1 Pictures.

Animation fans have seen a lot of high school rom-com animations, but even in that crowded field, Kaguya: Love is war I can't stop. It was the best anime of the closing year of the 2010s, giving every anime fan some of the most original, heartfelt, and witty combat they've ever seen. High School felt fresh once again as it focused on the story of the smart but foolish student council, where Kaguya competes with Miyuki to see who will confess first.

The cleverly written battle of wits is only outdone by the solid character writing, with everyone gaining increasing depth as flawed and lovable people trying to find their place in the world. Even wealthy heiresses like Kaguya Shinomiya face these difficulties, and some fans may see themselves as depressed students like Yu Ishigami or sympathize with Miko Iino as a strict but well-meaning underclassman.

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