The end of the decade is fast approaching and it's time to look at some memorable series. Not just any series, but series that were released at the start of the decade. All the anime on this list started airing sometime during 2010 and will be turning 10 years old in 2020.
This list looks at some popular series that you may not believe are about to be 10 years old. Be sure to check them out as well as anime airing at the end of the decade in the current fall 2019 season to see how much anime has changed over the years.
10 Katanagatari
Kicking off the list is Katanagatari. The historical-adventure anime aired during the winter 2010 season. Adapted by studio White Fox, Katanagatari takes place during the Edo era of Japan. This time period is known for its use of samurai and sword-fighting elements. Shichika Yasuri is the protagonist of Katanagatari and practices the rare sword style of Kyotouryuu.
Togame, a character known for her brain than brawn, requests Shichika's help with a mission to collect 12 swords called Deviant Blades. Shichika agrees and the two set off on their journey. Katanagatari is 12 episodes and aired for one season. Each episode is 50 minutes long.
9 Shiki
Released during the summer 2010 season, Shiki was adapted by Daume studio. The supernatural-horror anime follows Toshio Ozaki, a doctor who investigates the unexpected death of Megumi Shimizu. The people of Sotoba village think Megumi’s death caused an epidemic in their village, but Toshio is sure there is a logical explanation. In another city, Natsuno Yuuki is also investigating the death of Megumi. When the two come together they journey to find the reason behind the epidemic. Shiki is 22 episodes and aired for one season.
8 Bakuman
Adapted by J.C. Staff, Bakuman. is a shonen-drama anime released during the fall 2010 season. The anime follows Moritaka Mashiro who wants to become a manga author like his uncle Tarou Kawaguchi. However, this is just a childhood dream and Moritaka works to become a salaryman instead. During class, Akito Takagi notices Moritaka’s drawings and asks him to create a manga together. This sparks Moritaka’s old dream as he wants to use his current crush Miho Azuki as a voice actor for when the manga gets adapted to an anime. They set off to create a manga together with the goal of the top. Bakuman. is 25 episodes and aired for three seasons.
7 The World God Only Knows
The World God Only Knows is a shonen-rom-com anime that aired during the fall 2010 season. Adapted by Manglobe studio, the anime follows Keima Katsuragi, a master of dating simulation games. In a classic example of 2D > 3D, Keima isn’t interested in real life girls. When challenged to prove he is the true “God of Conquest” (the best at dating simulation games), Keima is tricked into helping Elucia de Lute Ima, a demon from Hell. The only way for Keima to save himself is to capture the hearts of real-life woman. The World God Only Knows is 12 episodes and aired for three seasons.
6 Baka and Test – Summon the Beasts
Released during the winter 2010 season, Baka and Test – Summon the Beasts was adapted by Silver Link. studio. The school-rom-com anime is set at Fumizuki Academy, a Japanese high school with a twist. When the students at the academy finish freshman year they take a test. The highest scorers get put into A class, while the lowest students are put in F. The protagonist Akihisa Yoshii is put into F class with his friend Yuuji Sakamoto. However, student prodigy Mizuki Himeji is in F class after missing the test due to illness. The anime follows F class as they try to overtake the school to show they are just as good as A class. Baka and Test – Summon the Beasts is 13 episodes and aired for two seasons
5 My Little Sister Can’t Be This Cute
Notorious for having one of the biggest couples in anime that never should have happened, My Little Sister Can’t Be This Cute is a sis-con slice of life anime. Better known by its Japanese title OreImo, the anime was adapted by studio AIC Build. OreImo was released during the fall 2010 season and follows two siblings, Kyousuke and Kirino Kousaka.
The two blood-related siblings fall in love with each other and agree not to date anyone unless they both get into relationships. Their feelings for one another become too strong and Kyousuke confesses to Kirino, resulting in him being kicked out of the house. The separation only strengthens their feelings. My Little Sister Can’t Be This Cute is 12 episodes and aired for two seasons.
4 Maid-sama!: Class President is a Maid!
Maid-sama!: Class President is a Maid! is a school-rom-com anime adapted by J.C. staff studio. Released during the spring 2010 season, Maid!-sama! follows Misaki Ayuzawa, the Demon President, nicknamed for strict discipline. Skilled in Aikido, Misaki puts the boys of Seika high school in their place. Misaki hides that she works as a maid at a maid café to help pay the bills. Her secret is safe until Takumi Usui enters the café. Instead of ruining her reputation, Takumi has other ideas, toying with Misaki to keep her secret. Maid-sama!: Class President is a Maid! is 26 episodes and aired for one season.
3 High School of the Dead
Anime’s token zombie anime, High School of the Dead is a supernatural-action anime. Released during the summer 2010 season, the anime is one of studio Madhouse’s most popular series. High School of the Dead follows a group of high school students at teachers as a zombie outbreak runs through Japan.
The only mission for the group is to survive the undead, but they don’t always see eye to eye on things. Known for having some iconic animations, High School of the Dead is also an ecchi anime filled with fan-service. The anime is 12 episodes and aired for one season.
2 Durarara!!
Released during the winter 2010 season, Durarara!! is a supernatural-action anime. Adapted by Brain’s Base studio, the anime takes place in downtown Tokyo. The city is filled with gangs and violence and has a myth that the headless “Black Rider” roams the streets. The protagonist Mikado Ryuugamine has a chance encounter with the Black Rider the day he moves to Tokyo. Searching for more excitement Mikado finds home in downtown Tokyo with attention to the corrupted gangs. Durarara!! is 24 episodes and aired for four seasons.
1 Angel Beats!
Rounding out the list of decade old anime is Angel Beats! adapted by P.A. Works, Angel Beats! was released during the spring 2010 season. The supernatural-drama follows a group of kids in what seems to be a Purgatory-esq place. Everyone there has died somehow and are here because they each have a regret. Yuzuru Otonashi lost his memory before coming to the afterlife. Everyone there is members of the SSS, known as the Afterlife Brigade, and believe that Kanade Tachibana is a threat to them. Yuzuru wants to understand Kanade, nicknamed Tenshi, for her angel-like appearance. The anime is known as one of the saddest out there and is sure to make you cry. Angel Beats! is 13 episodes and aired for one season.