This show is a genuine slice of life, as it doesn’t try to wrap up its storytelling with any gaudy cosmetics. Any discerning fan of anime knows there are romances that work and those that don't, so let's look back at the best and worst couples of the 2010s. The only thing that keeps Brotherhood from perfection is the slightly rushed feel of the first 14 episodes, everything else was pure gold. For a plot that seems absurd on paper, the storytelling sure does make exhilarating moves through a dystopic world unlike any other. And what better way to celebrate the 2010s then having every single fan tell the world what titles you love the most. This leads to some of the best adventures ever in the sub-genre, even when all the adventures are in some way a frivolous joke on a grander scheme. The following anime are the 20 most popular shows that take place right here in our corner of the universe! When Hiro declares his love for Zero Two, and it’s clear that nothing romantic is going to happen between Hiro and Ichigo, she ends up with Goro, who has been patient and kind with her. Yuri and Victor are what every couple should be: two people who care deeply about each other and are devoted to helping each other be their best selves and to achieve their goals. The anime walks a variety of sub-genres and isn’t bereft of notable symbolism, a lot of it alluding to the 1995 terrorist attacks on the Tokyo metro and destiny (an unlikely couple). Grancrest Senki may not have schemes that are as elaborate and epic as the ones in Game of Thrones or House of Cards, but there are moments where the narrative pushes itself to a scale that can be shocking at first. I honestly did not expect Harukana Receive to be as good as it was. An isekai at the very very tippy beginning of the massive trend, Outbreak Company serves as a guideline for a lot of new isekai in creating an entertaining series that doesn’t ever take itself too seriously. Each character is a shining spectrum on the color wheel, as they’re all sharply different but all equally memorable. The only problem is that the way for him to move forwards is to make a progressive choice in his life; something that deep down inside terrifies him. It uses the fiery explosions across Tokyo to symbolize the frustation and implosion of the younger generations that have had their voices stripped from the actions of those older than them. The best anime in each category rises above its genre in one way or another. One scene that properly displays this is the sequence that plays “Un Lieu De Recontre”, a French New Wave-esque song that can fall into films like Cléo From 5 to 7 or Masculin Féminin. Instead of going to Hogwarts, we go to hidden cafes in the woods, we watch someone literally mess around with the colors of Halong Bay, and see people (rather calmly) react to flying witches. Though what brings this fantasy world to our level, isn’t the use of one of the most iconic cities in the world, but through its characters that have very human flaws (even if not all of them are human). Thankfully, Bloom Into You came around to prove Katou’s capabilities. Yuzu and Mei are stepsisters, having just met following the marriage of Yuzu’s mother to Mei’s father. The use of CG actually highlights the brittle bodies of the characters, making action sequences all the more tense. The world of Nagi no Asukara is meticulously designed and has a long of rules that stay consistent. Mallow, Lily, Lana, Kaki, and Sophocles are also intense fun to watch on their own excursions. This global reach is thanks to the surge of streaming services, such as Crunchyroll and FunimationNow, that offer anime as soon as it premieres in Japan. It’s a powerful story that really illuminates on a feeling one has when they reach adulthood: the desire to become a kid again. After all, Magata Shiki was in a sealed room with no way in or out. Matsumoto is a landmark director, and her decision to add two original characters (that weren’t in the manga) to give the show more structural glue is a testament to her talent. Rather, it tells a pretty endearing story about the simple lives of the people that live in the same share house and how they support each other in their own broken ways. An anime about making anime isn’t nearly as cinematic as you may assume it to be. And with all the drama, awkwardness and … Tales of love, magic, and betrayal flooded the airwaves on all manner of devices, reaching all manner of people. It’s the absurdist comedy that Uma Musume wish it was, but could never reach. Many shows want to be like Yuru Yuri, but not many shows ever can be Yuru Yuri. Violet Evergarden didn’t come up as strong as the hype surrounding it promised, but when the show hit its high notes it soared. Kyousougiga, much like Eccentric Family and Tatami Galaxy, paints Kyoto as a gorgeous mess. It’s a humorous assault on its viewers, as each gag shoots and scores with such rigor that even the most lukewarm audience will find enjoyment from this. Omata’s direction also gives the show a special flare, breaking the mold from the story’s original manga panels to create something visually fresh each gag. The best English dubbed romance anime. One of the few idol shows that don’t feel…well, awful. To add onto that, Shinichi Omata does give it some extra grace, with his unique eye for cinematography. Arrietty won the Japan Academy Prize for Animation of the Year.Internationally, King of Thorn, Mai Mai Miracle and Oblivion Island: Haruka and the Magic Mirror were nominated for the Asia Pacific Screen Award for Best Animated Feature Film. It’s a visually amazing piece of work, and the heavy atmosphere that Omata is able to create for the show without saying much is admirable. are personified into dances of visual set pieces that mirror the character’s emotion (something that cannot be as properly done in manga form). It tests the limits of trust and friendships, and that’s something more body swap stories can look into. Each world is structured as an allegory to the character’s state of minds. Also that Bishamon arc. It’s a show that never takes itself too seriously, so the moments that deliver some extra character depth do feel quite impactful and refreshing when they do happen. As for the show’s story, there’s plenty to rave about. Even so, this anime has some of the most exhilarating action sequences that Fast & Furious can only dream of accomplishing the same amount of visual tension. It has some of the most subtle world building for a fantasy anime this decade, camouflaging most of its exposition through the lens of a newcomer in town as she witnesses everything as its all brand new to her. Each fight has beats hitting at all the fitting moments, giving the conflicts emotional context and impact. The fact that Hinata has been quietly pining after Naruto for most of the series is extra wince-y, since Naruto barely acknowledged her existence when they were kids. It tells a modern lore that feels like it deserves to be as old and timeless as “The Tale of The Princess Kaguya” or “The Tale of Genji”. Kaichou wa Maid-sama! There aren’t many critical aspects to praise Oreimo for, besides that its cast of characters are enjoyable to watch and it genuinely is a lot of fun to watch. Ikuhara being Ikuhara, BUT this time he’s at his most powerful form since Revolutionary Gurl Utena; well he hadn’t made anything in the eleven years between Utena and Penguindrum. The opposite side of the coin from Re:Zero: what if the isekai world didn’t have a sense of purpose and heroism, but instead had many similar bureaucratic workings of our own world? Here are our picks for the five best anime couples of the 2010s and the five worst. In the past ten years, trends have shifted more frequently than the entirety of the 90s-00s. The Best Anime Movies of the 2010s. It’s a haunting world, that camouflages itself within quick fluttering moments of hope and happiness. To this very day, I can still remember the beats to how the climax plays out. This one’s a hard pass for us. Perhaps the most underrated show on this list, Koufuku Graffiti is a masterpiece about a girl coping with the recent lost of her grandmother. Controversial and a head turner, at the debate table. One of the best examples is of the epic fight sequence between Matoi and Satsuki at episode three. Given is one of those series that feels totally unfairly slept on. Junichi Satou returns to work with mangaka Kozue Amano to repeat the God-tier beauty they created with Aria the Animation. A show that’s geared towards western fans (most specifically to Americans), Space Dandy has its hits and misses per episode, as it’s an episodic series. It’s rare for an anime as slapstick as Hinamatsuri to be as poignant of a anime it ended up being. It’s not until when Ryou meets Kirin that her life begins to walk on a slow path of letting go. Kyoto Animation was hit by something unprecedented this year and it’ll never be forgotten. One has to wonder where he gets his consistently fresh visual ideas from. But perhaps in its entirety, it make not be for many. Just the issue is that this series is not going anywhere with it's romance… Sarazanmai, like many other Ikuhara works, has an obsession with the bounds between different people and sexual fetishes. However, in this show Ikebukuro is present as a character of bohemian activity. Masaaki Yuasa is a crazy dude, but oddly acts very unsuspecting in real life. The rules it sets up, make sense for this world. 3-gatsu is a keyhole into a world that isn’t looked at much in or outside of Japan. It’s amazing how much this show accomplishes though being a short series. Just like you, anime characters often have school and work to worry about. Eromanga Sensei is electric with its animation and comedic spark. Based on one of Nisio Issin’s most powerful works, Katanagatari follows the story of the humanization of two characters. That alone makes Humanity Has Declined an essential watch. Sadly this show has been derived to simply a show with ‘food porn’. Kishuku Gakkou no Juliet may not be a tragedy in all respects, but it follows the same archetype as its basis. Oreki and Chitanda have such chemistry, even when going on about the most mundane conversation topics, there’s a charm that hangs over the two that is irresistible. Thankfully its messages aren’t a simple ‘get back up on your feet’ sympathy that usually falls as flat as a hallmark card. This anime is powerful in how it follows characters who trek their way through the rather volatile world of ping pong; perhaps that suffocation comes from themselves rather than the game. The slice of life genre understands that our mundane world is every bit as interesting as a fantasy setting. America had Stranger Things, Japan has SSSS.GRIDMAN. It certainly has its flaws, but the melodic cathartic grace of Ishiguro’s direction makes this show one to remember. A boxing anime that stays far away from the exhausting toxic masculinity of a lot of other sports media. What makes Sunshine! Also it doesn’t hurt that the protagonist is Kanye. While most anime are set in Tokyo, many use it as a mere backdrop. But the challenges are what make the adventure worth it, as it captures a feeling of satisfaction and vivacity that The Secret Life of Walter Mitty was only able to capture in a teaser trailer. Not all worlds can guarantee a world of happiness and prideful journeys, perhaps none truly do. That’s basically the show’s premise at its barest bone. is a monument in the romantic comedy genre, having constant twists and turns for the characters to make their lives just a living hell (for our entertainment). Avvenire shows what started after Akari’s story ended. At times it feels very Spielberg-esque, with a group of kids gathering to work together against a conspiracy that has the world at stake. When watching it, you can certainly tell it’s being directed by an A-grade filmmaker. Amagi Brilliant Park’s first episode should sell you on how technical he is in delivering comedic cuts. Related: 10 Best Naruto & Hinata Moments, Ranked. The slow burn of watching Kyo and Tohru admit their feelings for one another, first to themselves and then finally, after an excruciating wait, to each other, is exactly what we want from our romance anime. But at the studio’s peak in production values, Hanasaku Iroha came out and boy was it a powerful show. So a blend of pessimism and nihilism put together surprisingly serves as a hilarious watch, sprinkled with bits of social and political commentaries. Engaged to the Unidentified serves as an enjoyable watch, as a comedy that walks along the borders before falling into surrealist territory. Another comedic gem from the late masterful Takemoto. A show about failure succeeds in talking about how much it sucks to fail in life. Top 20 Best Slice of Life Anime of All Time. If sex is a primary focus in your anime, Masaomi Andou is your guy. And no matter what happens, Subaru will still stay as the self-loathing person he is. While it may not hold up as many of the refined and astute as what she’s gone to do, there are still plenty of merits to be found within this charming anime. What are the best anime of the 2010s? This Amblin-narrative territory it crosses makes for a ride that’s both entertainment and, at times, poignant. Less shock factor, more trying to find out how to practically live with what can be even regarded as a sickness. With Ishiguro’s very cinematic influence, he’s able to make each musical moment a transcendental one for the characters. Accolades. It looks at the industry and debates on marketability vs integrity; of course the show vows towards the latter. Okay, they’re not very similar. This time around, Watanabe takes a sci-fi city on Mars (called Alba City, the name of the NY-styled Martian city in the Cowboy Bebop movie) and mixes it with an inspiring Cyndi Lauper-esque story of going to the big city for fame. Liz Adler is a writer and editor based in San Diego, CA. Though its the optimism of this world that bring together the idea that things need to end other things to begin. And because you know both sides of the board, it makes the games matter so much more. Many shows have tried to recreate the shock factor of so many moments in this series, with many of them failing and falling onto the territory of being gratuitous. Here he’s the same pokemon loving kid, but he’s also wacky and as a very childlike sense of humor. It starts slow, but once the wheels start turning it quickly becomes worth the investment. But the first two-thirds of it are hilarious. The Eccentric Family wants to bring the spotlight to every corner of Kyoto, good and bad; doing so with its idiosyncratic characters. This anime may not be nearly one of his strongest, but it still serves as a noteworthy entry into his filmography. One of themes of the entire series is that everything moves in circles, life is just a cycle. But in a narrative sense, this was one of the best romantic-comedies among any anime or film media. Her recent works (A Silent Voice and Liz and the Blue Bird) have demonstrated her key position in the world of modern arthouse cinema; especially being a diverse voice for the anime industry. She’s selfish and self-absorbed, and she can’t seem to imagine thinking about anyone else. AnoHana is a show that forces you to shed a tear, or you’ll feel like an asshole. With Mocky as the anime’s music producer (referencing the likes of Beyonce and Tyler the Creator), it certainly makes for a musical hit. The series doesn’t leave us hanging about whether the two are attracted to each other, with constant flirting and passionate declarations. Hello everyone, it’s the season of love and what best way to keep you or both of you warm during these cold, cold nights than romance anime. Remember when PA Works was on the cusp of building a solid in-house studio, tracing the steps of KyoAni? Slice of life at its very bare essence. Despite its look as a simplistic moe show, there’s a good amount of rather startling comedy in the show. How To Use Puppeteer With Jest & TypeScript, Nigerian government-aligned Twitter network targets #EndSARS protests, The Sad Future of the University M.P.A. A spectacle that carries both the aesthetic merit and narrative pizzazz to turn this anime into an instant classic. From your neighborhood gods at Dogakobo, comes a very special anime about passion and the trail-error path towards climbing the ladder towards your dream. You get the point. 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