Hey there, fellow anime enthusiasts! Brace yourselves, because buckle up for a rollercoaster ride through the best anime of 2023 – a year that, frankly, spoiled us rotten with stellar titles. We had genre-bending masterpieces, long-awaited continuations that shook the very foundations of their fandoms, and even the culmination of a saga that defined the previous decade (RIP, Attack on Titan, you magnificent beast). It felt like every corner of the anime world overflowed with creativity and storytelling prowess in 2023, making it a year impossible to forget.
Remember all those times we huddled around forums, lamenting the potential unfulfilled by certain shows? Yeah, 2023 threw that notion out the window. Take “Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2,” for instance. It surpassed its already sky-high expectations with animation fluidity that redefined smooth, and fight sequences that could give Michael Bay a run for his money. And let’s not forget the emotional gut punches – Jujutsu Kaisen made us laugh, cry, and swear eternal allegiance to our dear exorcists, all in the span of 24 glorious episodes.
But 2023 wasn’t just about established juggernauts. This year threw new gems at us like meteors from the heavens. “Oshi No Ko” took the idol world and twisted it into a mind-bending mystery about reincarnated talent and showbiz secrets. We had “Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku,” a survival-horror saga so intense, it could make a hardened Viking flinch. And who could forget “Heavenly Delusion,” a cyberpunk fever dream that left us questioning reality and craving ramen after every episode.
Speaking of cravings, “The Apothecary Diaries” served up a delightful concoction of historical intrigue and herbal wisdom. If you’re a sucker for slice-of-life with a dash of the fantastical, “My Happy Marriage” was a warm hug of an anime, reminding us that even arranged marriages can blossom into true love. And for those who like their isekai with a bit more bite, “Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation” continued its stellar run, showcasing a flawed protagonist on a path to redemption that was equal parts epic and relatable.
Oh, and did I mention we finally witnessed the epic conclusion of “Attack on Titan”? No spoilers here, but let’s just say Hajime Isayama didn’t hold back. It was a finale that defied expectations, resonated with emotions, and left fans both satisfied and yearning for more.
My Top 12 Anime of 2023 That Made Me Laugh, Cry, & Want More
Look, this is just a taste of the anime feast that was 2023. Every title on this list deserves a standing ovation, but I gotta highlight my personal top 12 – the shows that resonated with me deepest and blew my mind the most. So, grab your snacks, dim the lights, and get ready to dive into my year-end anime appreciation fest!
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End
This masterpiece defied genre conventions. It had the epic scale of a fantasy adventure, the emotional depth of a character drama, and the poignant wisdom of a coming-of-age story. “Frieren” made us laugh, cry, and reflect on the fleeting nature of time, all told through the eyes of a centuries-old elf seeking the meaning of life after her comrades’ passing. This is high fantasy at its most emotional, and it deserves all the awards.
Related Post: 11 More Anime Like Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End That You Should Watch
Vinland Saga Season 2
The Vikings are back, and they’re not messing around. “Vinland Saga Season 2” upped the ante on character development, political intrigue, and brutal action. Thorfinn’s internal struggle between vengeance and pacifism reached new heights, while he found solace in the presence of a new character, his first-ever friend, I must say who helped him surpass his inner demons and comes face to face with fate itself. This season solidified “Vinland Saga” as one of the greatest historical anime ever made.
Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2
As mentioned earlier, this season defied expectations. The animation reached Studio MAPPA’s peak, the fights were mind-blowing, and the emotional punch left us speechless. But what truly elevated “Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2” was its exploration of complex themes like grief, sacrifice, and the burden of power. It wasn’t just action; it was a rollercoaster of emotions that cemented the series’ place in anime history.
Oshi No Ko
This genre-bending mystery had more twists and turns than a Tokyo alleyway. It took the idol industry and turned it into a complex web of family secrets, reincarnated talent, and the lengths one will go to for revenge. “Oshi No Ko” kept us guessing until the very end, proving that sometimes, the most shocking truths lie behind the brightest smiles.
Related Post: 10 of the Best Anime Like Oshi No Ko That You Should Check Out Next
Bungou Stray Dogs Season 4 & 5
We were back in Yokohama, and the Agency was facing its biggest threat yet. “Bungou Stray Dogs Season 5” upped the literary-inspired action, delved deeper into the backstories of our favorite characters, and even threw in a dash of time travel for good measure. This season proved that Bungou Stray Dogs still packs a punch, both in terms of animation and its unique brand of supernatural detective magic.
Heavenly Delusion
Buckle up for a cyberpunk mind trip. “Heavenly Delusions” threw us into a world where reality and destiny collided, memories were unreliable, and ramen was the ultimate comfort food. This anime was visually stunning, philosophically intriguing, and left us questioning everything we thought we knew about our own senses. Prepare for an existential head-scratcher, but one that’s undeniably captivating.
Dark Gathering
Time for some horror chills! “Dark Gathering” delivered unsettling yokai stories with a modern twist. Each episode offered a unique glimpse into Japanese folklore, showcasing creepy creatures and haunting rituals. The animation was top-notch, the atmosphere bone-chilling, and the stories both scary and thought-provoking. This is one for those who like their anime with a good dose of shivers.
The Apothecary Diaries
Step into a charming blend of historical intrigue and herbal wisdom. “The Apothecary Diaries” followed Maomao, a cheerful apothecary assistant in a fictional story set in Ancient China, as she solves mysteries and concocts remedies using her knowledge of plants. This slice-of-life anime was heartwarming, educational, and surprisingly suspenseful. It’s the perfect show to unwind with after a long day, leaving you feeling both relaxed and intellectually stimulated.
Danmachi Season IV Part 2
Bell Cranel’s adventures in the dungeon continued, and boy, did they get intense! “Danmachi Season IV Part 2” raised the stakes, explored deeper into the mythology of the dungeon, and even tossed in a few heart-wrenching moments. The action sequences were thrilling, the character development was satisfying, and the romance subplot finally started simmering. This season proved that Danmachi is still full of surprises and emotional gut punches.
My Happy Marriage
Who says arranged marriages can’t be sweet? “My Happy Marriage” offered a heartwarming twist on the trope, showcasing a shy girl forced into marriage with a seemingly cold officer in Japan. As they learn to navigate their new life together, the show blossomed into a beautiful story about understanding, compassion, and finding love in the most unexpected places. This slice-of-life gem will leave you rooting for their happily ever after.
Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku
Prepare for a survival epic like no other. “Hell’s Paradise” threw a bunch of death row convicts onto a cursed island filled with supernatural creatures and ruthless challenges. The animation was brutal, the characters were morally complex, and the stakes were sky-high. This is not for the faint of heart, but for those who crave adrenaline-pumping action and morally ambiguous heroes, “Hell’s Paradise” is a must-watch.
Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation Season 2
Rudeus Greyrat’s journey of redemption continued in Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation Season 2, and it was a wild ride. We saw him grow, learn, and face the consequences of his past mistakes. The animation remained top-notch, the emotional scenes hit hard, and the isekai world continued to expand in fascinating ways. “Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation” cemented its place as one of the most complex and rewarding isekai anime out there.
So, there you have it, my fellow anime enthusiasts! My top 12 anime of 2023, a year that truly spoiled us rotten with phenomenal series. Remember, this is just a taste of the incredible anime experiences that 2023 offers. Go out there, explore, and discover your own personal top list! Happy watching!
P.S. Don’t forget to share your own favorite anime of 2023 in the comments below! Let’s keep the conversation going and spread the love for this amazing medium.
P.P.S. And yes, I still miss Attack on Titan. But hey, at least it went out with a bang!
Now, go forth and enjoy the world of anime! Remember, it’s not just about watching shows, it’s about connecting with stories, characters, and fellow enthusiasts. May your 2024 be filled with even more unforgettable anime experiences!
Last Updated on December 25, 2023 by Yu Alexius
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