Kinda long but here’s my top 10..
10. Toaru Series (particularly a certain scientific railgun) - I got into this franchise from railgun and it is easily the best version. Ever since I got into moe/slice of life or shows with mostly female cast, I found this show to be really enjoyable from the start. It is basically cute girls doing action things but also has slice of life bits which I enjoy just as much as the plot related episodes. Mikoto is always a joy to watch and Shirai is so hilarious and over the top with her horniness. Even the side characters are good.
9. Lucky Star - to me this is the most relaxing and rewatchable anime. The characters are all fun to watch with Kagami being one of my favorite characters ever. There are so many references packed in and it feels like a cornerstone celebration of anime while also parodying it a lot of the time. It's self aware and charming. Also the OP is one of my favorites.
8. Gochuumon wa Usagi Desu ka? - I mean what can I say? It’s just the cutest goddamn thing I’ve ever seen. Every second of this show puts the biggest grin on my face. How can a show be this cute and fun to watch? Also the background of the town is amazing. I wish I could live there... my god.
7. The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya and Disappearance - Every character is just really likeable and great. It’s mysterious and does have some intense moments but it also is just fun alot of the time. The movie somehow ties all of these plot points throughout the show together and ends it on a satisfying and yet contemplative note. Also Haruhi is hot and just one of my favorite characters of all time and Nagato is the goat of the show.
6. Love Live (original for now) - this was my introduction into idol anime and while I have seen a bunch of others, I’ve only really enjoyed this and The Idolm@ster. The first time I watched it, I felt indifferent towards it but eventually I grew to like some of the characters, liked a few of the songs and got invested in the story. Then I watched season 2 and I unexpectedly got really emotional. It was just too gratifying. Yes it does look a bit off with its CGI sometimes and can be somewhat corny but these things don’t bother me that much. If anything, they just add to its charm. Then I rewatched it and found that I came to appreciate all of the characters and most of the songs and listen to many of them daily. It’s just one of those things where the more I watch it, the more things I find to enjoy. I don’t like Sunshine nearly as much but the new series currently airing looks extremely promising. Honestly this entry could/should be higher depending on how that series turns out.
5. Monogatari Series - at first I didn’t like this very much. It wasn’t till Nisemonogatari (mostly for fanservice) that I really began to enjoy the series and I got more intrigued with later seasons for some interesting plot points. Just like Love Live, I only truly appreciated the whole once I rewatched it again and now I love almost all the characters and their interesting quirks. The show is so unique with its presentation and vibrant with colorful characters and memorable moments but also has many themes and ideas layered on top of it making for one of the most emotionally satisfying and well crafted series I’ve ever seen. Also the soundtrack and OP/EDs are all so good.
4. Hunter x Hunter 2011 - IMO the best shounen. Every arc is so different from one another which left an air of mystique as to how things were going to play out and yet it somehow felt cohesive. Honestly it's just one of those shows I feel could literally have anything in it (aliens, time travel) and just work. The power system is really intricate making for some of the most interesting and intense fights I've seen in anime. Too many legendary moments to count and the writing is superb. Honestly I wish this had 300 episodes at least, it probably would easily have been my favorite show. It does end on a satisfying note though.
3. Steins;Gate - the most satisfying time travel/sci-fi anime. Its world building and atmosphere are top tier. As far as bringing me an insane level of excitement and hype, this show never lets up. While most thriller shows tend to fall off/lose interest after a certain point for me, this was a rare case where it not only had a satisfying conclusion but a genius ending.
2. Flip Flappers - the best looking show I’ve ever seen. I love vibrant/colorful and over the top shows like this. It just has so much personality. Every frame, the colors, the design, the characters, the music...everything just works to a T. It’s literally orgasmic for my eyes.
1. Code Geass - over the top and epic political war drama that doesn’t stop being insane and fun. It has cool action, mechs, crazy ancient powers, an engaging plot, distinctive art style, fanservice...it’s the full package. Lelouch is so entertaining to watch and C.C. is my favorite character/waifu of all time. One of the best anime endings I’ve ever seen plus I really liked the movie ending too. |