The 2010s have seen an incredibly huge influx of anime, with some of the most iconic pieces of work coming our way over the course of these ten years. Fans were treated to all kinds of anime over these ten years and most of them will have left lasting impressions.
In doing so, these anime have been immortalized and will be remembered in the decades to come as some of the best stuff from the anime industry. While there are more than just 10 great anime that came out in the last ten years, we've picked our ten of the lot. This, however, in no way means that the other anime aren't great. This list of anime what we believe to be best out there.
10 Haikyuu!!
Adapted from Haruichi Furudate's manga, also known as Haikyuu!!, this story revolves around the life of Hinata, who transforms his middle-school Volleyball team and manages to carry them to a tournament. Unfortunately, Hinata's team is crushed by Kageyama at the Tournament.
With his pride wounded, Hinata works to surpass Kageyama but ends up finding him on his own team when he joins Karasuno highschool's Volleyball team. Haikyuu!!'s gripping story, when mixed with exhilarating action makes it one of the best anime series to come out in the 2010s. In doing so, Haikyuu!! also rejuvenated the sports shounen genre, which furthers its status as one of the anime of the decade.
9 One-Punch Man
Following the story of Saitama, One Punch Man is a series where heroes and villains are at odds with each other all the time. In the midst of all this, Saitama, one of the heroes, seeks a challenge that pushes him to his limits, as his powers are so great that no enemy is able to withstand his mighty punch.
One Punch Man not only broke the internet with its great action but also because it was a magnificent adaptation of a beautiful manga drawn by Yusuke Murata. The first season of the anime served arguably the best work of animation in the 2010s, which is what helps it seal its spot as one of the best anime of the decade.
8 Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
Kimetsu no Yaiba is one of the most iconic anime to have come out this year, with a story that sees humans defend themselves from demons. The story sees Tanjiro go out on a quest to restore his sister, who was turned into a demon, back to normal. In doing so, Tanjiro is joined by a number of people and the anime just goes on to be a phenomenon.
Frankly, it is easy to see why Demon Slayer is on the list. The anime is a beautiful adaptation by Ufotable of Gotoge's work, and they couldn't have done a better job with it. The cast is diverse, and the source material is magnificent, which is why having it on here was a given.
7 Assassination Classroom
As the name suggests, Assassination Classroom sees a bunch of kids trying to assassinate their teacher because otherwise, humanity will die within the foreseeable future; such is the power of their teacher! Surprisingly, the teacher is the best person these kids ever get to meet and is one hell of a teacher as well.
Although Assassination Classroom may appear to be a dull anime, it is filled to the brim with intense and emotional episodes. On top of that, every episode provides a great dose of laughter and makes sure that every second is cherished. Truly, Assassination Classroom is a wonderful experience from start to finish.
6 My Hero Academia
An adaptation of Kohei Horikoshi's manga with the same name, My Hero Academia follows the story of Izuku Midoriya as he aims to become the Number One Hero, just like his idol All Might. There are complications for him, however. Unlike 80% of the society, Izuku doesn't possess the power known as 'Quirk', which makes his dream nearly impossible, to begin with.
My Hero Academia has been a phenomenon as both a manga and an anime. The story continues to be a success and will likely stay that way in the years to come as well. My Hero Academia has been praised by the likes of Eiichiro Oda, and Akira Toriyama as the face of new shonen and it is easy to see why.
5 A Place Further Than The Universe
One of the most underrated anime of the decade, A Place Further Than The Universe follows the story of Tamaki, who aims to follow her dreams but is too scared to actually cross the point of no return. Thanks to her friends, all of which have their own goals and aspirations, Tamaki sets out on a journey to the edge of the universe.
A Place Further Than The Universe may not be the most talked-about anime out there, but it certainly is a gem. The anime did its job of depicting that dreams can be achieved and problems can be tackled together. It puts forward the message that perseverance is key and of course, highlights the importance of bonds in the most incredible of ways. This anime is so much more than just that, and for that, it deserves its place among the ten best to have come out this year.
4 March Comes In Like A Lion
Yet another marvelous piece of work, March Comes In Like A Lion follows the story of Rei, who is a professional shogi player dealing with the regular problems of life. With each passing day, Rei understands more of the world and continually evolves as a person all the while laughing and crying as all people do.
As the description suggests, March Comes In Like A Lion is a masterpiece, simply because its depiction of human emotions is completely out of this world. The anime portrays the troubled life of a child so well that fans can't help but relate to it. Undoubtedly, it does its job well enough to earn a spot in the 10 best anime of the decade.
3 Hunter x Hunter
Hunter x Hunter revolves around the story of Gon Freecss, who aims to become a great Hunter and find his dad in the process. At a very young age, he sets off on his journey to become a Hunter and is joined by a number of people all of which have different goals, and rock-solid conviction, just like Gon himself. Together, they take on an unforgettable journey.
Hunter x Hunter's 2011 remake sees the show go beyond what the 1999 version gave us. Madhouse did an incredible job with the anime, although it is the story that makes this anime break into the Top 10. When compared to the 1999 version, our opinion is that the former is superior in every way.
2 Your Lie In April
Arima Kousei is a genius pianist, labeled a 'human metronome' due to his mind-blowing skills with a piano. Unfortunately, the death of his mother leads him down a rugged path. Eventually, Arima isn't able to hear the sound of his own piano. In steps Miyazono Kaori, a girl best described as strong-willed, determined, and a bundle of joy. Kaori sees to it that Arima plays like he once used to, and in the midst of it, their lives change forever.
Your Lie In April is easily one of the best anime of all-time, let alone this decade. The story is packed with great symbolism, and a cast so diverse that you can help but fall in love with the characters. It has its share of fun moments, some that inspire you as a watcher, and others that crush you. Indeed, it is a spectacle from start to finish.
1 Attack On Titan
Attack on Titan sees humanity live enclosed within a bunch of walls to protect itself from man-eating Titans. One day, the walls are broken through and Eren's normal life is ripped to shreds. With the intent of taking revenge, Eren and his surviving friends enroll in the Survey Corps to fight these Titans and protect those who need saving.
There are no surprises with Attack on Titan being on the top of the list, and it's a given since this anime sees the fans explore a vast spectrum of possibilities. The anime does a great job of displaying the value of freedom and explores human emotions to a great extent. With time, the lore becomes so deep that it almost feels as if the anime is too good to be true. With a story as fabulous as Attack on Titan, there's no denying that it deserves the number one spot on the list.