Anime has exploded into mainstream entertainment in the 21st century, and it’s been amazing to see. Especially in the early 2010s, shows like Attack on Titan, One Piece, Dragon Ball, and One Punch Man really took off, bringing in millions of new fans.
What’s awesome about this surge is how studios kept up with the demand. They kept cranking out great shows, keeping people hooked on these unique stories and styles. While some of the older, classic series have ended, plenty of new ones have come along to keep anime’s legacy going strong.
Here are 15 best Anime series from the past 5 years ranked!
15. ‘The Promised Neverland’ (2019 – 2021)
The Promised Neverland is a dark yet gripping tale set in a world where humans and “demons” coexist under a chilling agreement: peace in exchange for human farms. When a young orphan and her friends uncover the horrifying truth about their seemingly perfect home, they escape and embark on a mission to free all children like them, sparking widespread change and gaining unexpected allies along the way.
The series debuted with a captivating first season that expertly blended child-like adventure with the harsh realities of their world. Though the following two seasons struggled to match the brilliance of the first, The Promised Neverlandremains a fascinating anime from recent years and even spawned an impressive live-action adaptation.
14. ‘Dr. Stone’ (2019 – )
Dr. Stone, based on Riichiro Inagaki’s manga, is a clever and creative sci-fi anime that quickly won over fans and critics. Set thousands of years in the future, it follows a brainy genius who wakes up to find humanity mysteriously turned to stone. Determined to kickstart civilization again, he and his buddy set out to reverse the disaster while dealing with a rival group of survivors.
The first season was a hit, with sites like Crunchyroll and IGN calling it one of the best anime of the 2010s, even with only one season out. Now, the show has 57 episodes spread over three seasons, with a fourth and final season on the way.
13. ‘Spy x Family’ (2022 – )
Already one of the best anime shows of the 2020s, Spy x Family has gained a massive fanbase and critical acclaim for its stylish and engaging storytelling. Based on Tatsuya Endo’s manga, it follows a master spy who creates a fake family as cover while investigating a political figure. Little does he know, his pretend wife is a top-notch assassin, and his daughter is a telepath.
The show expertly blends comedy, action, spy thrills, and fascinating character arcs, making it an ambitious and immersive experience. A third season has been announced, and an anime feature film released in late 2023 received high praise and did well at the global box office.
12. ‘Ranking of Kings’ (2021 – 2022)
Anime’s superpower is creating fantastical worlds while telling awesome, character-driven stories. Ranking of Kings nails this, set in a kingdom where kings are ranked by how prosperous their lands are, how strong their warriors are, and their own might. Enter Bojji, a deaf and mute prince dubbed “The Useless Prince.” Everyone mocks him until he befriends a survivor from a wiped-out assassin clan who really gets him.
Over 23 episodes, this series won fans over with its heartwarming, adventurous, and exciting story in a captivating fantasy world. Though the main series is just one season, a spin-off called Ranking of Kings: The Treasure Chest of Couragecame out in 2023, and there’s an anime film on the way.
11. ‘Fruits Basket’ (2019 – 2021)
Starting as a manga by Natsuki Takaya in 1998, Fruits Basket has been a beloved staple in Japanese entertainment throughout the 21st century. The manga ran until 2006, and an anime adaptation aired in 2001, earning widespread praise. The story was reimagined with a new anime adaptation in 2019, spanning three seasons and covering all 23 volumes of the original manga.
The fantasy series centers on a poor teenage girl who is taken in by the mysterious Sohma family. She discovers they are cursed to transform into animals of the Chinese zodiac and sets out to help free them from this curse. Celebrated for staying true to the manga, Fruits Basket blends fantasy with coming-of-age drama, teenage romance, and poignant mental health themes, making it a powerful and emotionally resonant series and one of the best anime in recent years.
10. ‘86: Eighty-Six’ (2021 – 2022)
Debuting in 2021 and airing 24 episodes across two parts, 86: Eighty-Six plunged viewers into a gripping futuristic sci-fi world embroiled in a massive war between two nations. The Republic of San Mongolia claims to wage an ethical battle against the Giadian Empire using unmanned drones, but in truth, these robots are piloted by marginalized individuals known as “Eighty-sixers.”
At its heart, the series follows a compassionate commanding officer overseeing the elite Spearhead squadron, forming intricate relationships with its brilliant leader, who harbors a mysterious agenda. Adapted from the light novel series, 86: Eighty-Six garnered acclaim, earning a notable score on Crunchyroll and cementing its status as a revered hit.
9. ‘Dorohedoro’ (2020)
Dorohedoro was like mixing sci-fi, post-apocalyptic drama, and dark fantasy into a wild and gripping series full of twisted mysteries. It’s set in a rough town called Hole, where a guy with a lizard head and amnesia teams up with a buddy to uncover his past. Meanwhile, a bunch of sorcerers from another dimension are using the locals for bizarre magic experiments.
The premise alone grabs you, but the show’s gritty cityscape, intense violence, and dark humor make it strangely addicting, even if it’s not your typical watch. This underrated gem ran for 12 episodes in 2020, packing a punch with its unique blend of chaos and charm.
8 ‘Odd Taxi’ (2021)
Odd Taxi, released in 2021, was a delightful mash-up of crime noir, fantasy, mystery thriller, and comedy that captivated audiences. This must-watch series revolves around a Tokyo cab driver who, through conversations with passengers, gets entangled in a complex mystery, drawing the attention of both yakuza and police.
Fans embraced Odd Taxi for its unique blend of sharp wit, visual flair, and a deep dive into darker themes. It stands out not only for its compelling story but also for its exceptional portrayal of anthropomorphic characters, making it a truly standout series in the anime landscape.
7. ‘Vinland Saga’ (2019 – 2023)
Vinland Saga tracks the journey of Thorfinn, a young boy driven by vengeance after losing his father to the pirate Askeladd. Determined to avenge his father’s death, Thorfinn shadows Askeladd, plotting for the day he can challenge him to a duel.
This anime faithfully adapts its namesake manga, delving into themes of vengeance with emotional depth. As Thorfinn evolves through the series, transitioning from a boy to a hardened warrior, viewers are drawn into his quest, rooting for his success in a tale that moves from light-hearted beginnings to darker, more poignant territory.
6. ‘Lookism’ (2022)
Lookism is a Korean anime based on a popular webtoon. It follows Hyeong Seok, a high schooler who faces relentless bullying due to his appearance. His life takes a surreal turn when he wakes up one day in a different body, handsome and charismatic.
With his newfound appearance, Hyeong Seok discovers a second chance to redefine himself and confronts the biases and bullying based on looks. The series delves into themes of identity and societal judgments, highlighting how perceptions can drastically change based on appearance.
Fans of K-drama adaptations will find Lookism a refreshing and unique addition to the genre, blending drama with a compelling exploration of identity and appearance.
5. ‘Cyberpunk Edgerunners’ (2022)
David, a troublemaking kid at a fancy academy trying to escape poverty, gets his world rocked after a tragic shootout leaves him alone with his mom gone. Enter Lucy, the quirky game-changer who flips his life upside down in the cyber-futuristic chaos of Cyberpunk 2077.
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners isn’t your typical anime—it dives deep into inequality and the gritty violence it spawns, all set against a backdrop of mind-blowing tech. This series stands out for boldly tackling dark themes while serving up a mix of futuristic dazzle and deep social commentary.
4. ‘Wonder Egg Priority’ (2021)
Wonder Egg Priority kicks off with a unique premise that grabs viewers right from the start. Ai Ohto receives a mysterious egg and discovers that breaking it in a dream leads her on a mission to save people hatched from these eggs, all in hopes of saving her deceased best friend.
While it has its lighthearted moments, Wonder Egg Priority dives into serious issues like harassment and suicide, making it a challenging watch. However, its intriguing and mysterious storytelling makes it compelling and keeps viewers engaged throughout.
3. ‘Jujutsu Kaisen’ (2020 – 2023)
Jujutsu Kaisen is that anime that throws you for a loop and totally nails it. It’s got badass female characters who kick just as much butt as the guys, and the fights are off-the-charts epic. The story kicks off with Yuji Itadori, your average high schooler chilling in a spooky club. Then he meets Megumi, hunting down a cursed object—Sukuna’s finger. When things get dicey for Megumi, Yuji chomps down on the finger to help out, and bam, he’s thrust into the world of jujutsu sorcery.
2. ‘Demon Slayer’ (2019 – 2023)
Demon Slayer tracks Tanjiro’s quest to protect villagers from demons and avenge his family by hunting down Muzan, their killer. Unlike other demon slayers, Tanjiro faces a unique challenge: his sister has been turned into a demon, and he’s determined to restore her humanity.
This visually striking anime boasts a colorful cast and stands out for its deeply emotional moments. Many characters have suffered losses to demons, adding layers of intensity to their journey. Watching Tanjiro release souls from demonic torment as he pursues Muzan adds a poignant depth to the series, making each victory against evil all the more satisfying.
1. ‘Chainsaw Man’ (2022)
Chainsaw Man follows Denji, a teenager who gains the powers of the chainsaw devil after a near-fatal attack, unlocking formidable and frightening abilities he must learn to control. Recruited by Makima into Public Safety as a Devil Hunter, Denji navigates a world teeming with supernatural threats.
While awaiting its second season, Chainsaw Man captivates with its diverse and quirky characters, making them the heart of the show. Balancing humor and darkness, this wild ride of blood and insanity never feels overwhelming, offering a refreshing and enjoyable viewing experience.
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