Whether you’re a long-time anime connoisseur or you’re just discovering this vibrant animated medium, I have some great picks for you to try today. Today, we’re going to be talking about the best anime to watch in 2023.
No matter what you like, you’ll find something on this list. From action to drama, upcoming features and classics, I’ll be covering anime movies and shows of various genres that you’ll want to try. So come on, fellow weebs, let’s take a look.
Best Anime to Watch in 2023
If you’ve been an anime fan for a while, you probably already know that there are more genres than you can shake a stick at. However, you might not realize just how many kinds of anime are out there if you’re new to this artform.
I say all this as a preface to my list because, with so many genres out there, I just won’t be able to cover them all. That being said, I’ve put together a nice cross-section that I think has a little bit of something for everyone.
New and Upcoming: “Suzume”
“Suzume” is an upcoming feature film opening nationwide on April 14th directed by the acclaimed creator, writer, and director, Makoto Shinkai. Over the years, he’s been responsible for some of the best anime feature films out there including “Your Name” and “Weathering with You”.
“Suzume Boilerplate”
On the other side of the door, was time in its entirety—
As the skies turn red and the earth trembles, Japan stands on the brink of disaster. But one determined teenager, Suzume, sets out on a mission to save her country. Able to see the supernatural forces that others can’t, it’s up to her to close the mysterious doors spreading chaos across the land. A perilous journey awaits as the fate of the country rests on her shoulders.
Old Favorites: “Akira”
“Akira” is a classic cyberpunk action film by creator and director Katsuhiro Otomo. Equal parts epic action and dark social commentary, the film follows the protagonist, Akira, as he struggles to survive in a world where the moral fiber is frayed and only the strong survive. Along the way, he’s caught up in a resistance movement which leads to a series of dark events that will change his life forever.
Comedy: “Tomo-chan is a Girl!”
“Tomo-chan is a Girl!” is a fairly straightforward romantic comedy that leans more into the comedic side of its genre than the romantic. While its plot is one that long-time anime fans have seen many times, there’s nothing necessarily wrong with that. Featuring endearing characters, including a supporting cast that it’s easy to fall in love with, and writing that will absolutely make you laugh, this comedy is one you can’t miss.
Mecha: All the Gundam Entries
This entry is a bit of a departure from the rest of the entries on my list of the best anime to watch because it’s not actually about one particular show or movie. Rather, it encompasses an entire franchise, and for good reason. If you’re into giant fighting robots, moral dilemmas, and questions about the morality of war, then you’ll love this classic franchise.
Fantasy: “Made in Abyss”
“Made in Abyss” is an odd bird, and that’s what makes it such an amazing fantasy world. Although “Made in Abyss” features cute character designs and a classic fantasy premise perfect for hijinks and adventures, this dark fantasy will rip your heart out worse than any episode of “Game of Thrones”. If you enjoy pulse-pounding action, high fantasy, and being incredibly gutted from time to time, then check this one out.
Ecchi: “No Game No Life”
“No Game No Life” is widely considered to be one of the best ecchi animes of all time. While not everyone is into bouncing boobies and crude humor, there is a very large audience for such things out there, and “No Game No Life” delivers. With a surprisingly good story wrapped up in all the jiggling and no actual nudity, this is an anime that ecchi fans will definitely appreciate.
Romance: “Howl’s Moving Castle”
For wholesome romance, you can’t beat the feature film classic from Studio Ghibli, “Howl’s Moving Castle”. This classic tale of love found in surprising places sees a young girl who has been turned into an old hag by a witch connect with Howl, a dashing magician known for his cruelty and strange actions. As Howl and the girl form a stronger and stronger bond, she sets aside her desires to save his life and ultimately discovers that the power to save herself was hers all along.
Action: “Jujutsu Kaisen”
Ranked consistently at the top of many “best action anime of all time” lists, Jujutsu Kaisen is a dark action anime that packs a punch. It follows the life of a boy who saves a classmate from a curse by eating his cursed finger, taking the curse into himself. Because of that action, he is admitted to a school that trains powerful apprentices to fight the curses plaguing the land. If you like non-stop action, this is the one for you.
Trapped in a Game: “.Hack//Sign”
The trapped in a game genre is just that: players get trapped in a game they’re playing – usually, a video game. “.Hack//Sign” is one of the earliest and arguably most famous entries into this genre.
It came out in 2002 and spawned a host of spin-offs and an entire genre, with new manga and anime like “Sword Art Online” following in its footsteps. Begin with the original show, which follows a young man on a quest to save his best friend from a mysterious illness that resulted from playing the virtual game The World. From there, feel free to enjoy all the spin-offs, as they are equally good watches and feature a ton of lore.
Horror: “Higurashi When They Cry”
If you enjoy gore, horror, and psychological tension, then “Higurashi When They Cry” is a must-watch. This tension-filled series features episodes that at first seem like they create an anthology, however, it eventually becomes apparent that the brutality and mystery found throughout the series connect the characters into one overarching story. It’s the kind of anime that makes you think and leaves you guessing. There are two seasons, but if you watch dubbed anime, be aware the second season is only available with subtitles.
Enjoy the Best Anime to Watch in 2023
Whether you love action and adventure, comedy, giant robots, or something else, you’ll probably find it on this list. From dark fantasy to unsolved murders and more, there’s an anime for you to enjoy. Give these a try!
