The 2010s have often been hailed as a pivotal decade for anime, showcasing a remarkable array of series that expanded creative horizons and elevated the medium to new artistic heights. This era produced everything from gripping psychological thrillers that held audiences in suspense to deeply moving dramas that captured the complexities of human emotion, culminating in works that resonate profoundly beyond mere entertainment.
In this article, we pay tribute to ten iconic anime series from the 2010s, each of which has secured its place in the realm of anime masterpieces.
10 Guilty Crown
The Power That Should Never Have Been Given
Launched in 2011, Guilty Crown instantly captivated audiences with its breathtaking animation and an unforgettable soundtrack crafted by supercell’s ryo in collaboration with Production I. G.The narrative unfolds in a dystopian Japan plagued by a deadly virus and controlled by a tyrannical military force known as GHQ. It centers around Shu Ouma, a high school student who acquires a quasi-divine power called the “Void Genome, ”enabling him to extract weapons from the hearts of others.
Initially, the series offers an enticing premise filled with clandestine uprisings and desperate betrayals. However, it excels in depicting a protagonist who grapples with the heavy burdens of newfound power and moral ambiguity. The core question it explores is profound: What might happen if an individual is granted godlike capabilities without the mental fortitude to control them?
Despite mixed critical reception during its broadcast, the anime’s stunning visuals and emotionally charged scenarios have fostered a dedicated following. The hauntingly beautiful opening theme “My Dearest” performed by EGOIST further solidified its place in the anime canon. The English dub by FUNimation captures the emotional gravity effectively, particularly in the climactic moments of the story.
9 Mob Psycho 100
The Boy Who Didn’t Want to Be Special
Mob Psycho 100, animated by Studio Bones in 2016, may initially appear whimsical with its quirky character designs and lots of humor, yet at its core, it presents a deeply introspective narrative. Created by ONE, the same visionary behind One Punch Man, it follows Shigeo Kageyama, affectionately called “Mob, ” a timid boy bearing overwhelming psychic abilities that he desperately seeks to suppress.
Mob’s true desire isn’t to become a celebrated hero but to live a normal life, enhance his running skills, attract the attention of his crush, and forge friendships without the reliance on his powers. Each explosive event of supernatural mayhem is deeply rooted in emotion, underscoring the horrifying possibilities of his powers.
Renowned for its unique animation style that sometimes resembles avant-garde art, Mob Psycho 100 sees its second season praised for subverting conventional shonen tropes, emphasizing character growth over mere power escalation. The English dub by Crunchyroll and Bang Zoom! Entertainment is noteworthy, with Kyle McCarley delivering a restrained yet impactful portrayal of Mob.
8 Violet Evergarden
Learning to Feel Again
Violet Evergarden, which premiered in 2018 and produced by Kyoto Animation, stands out not only for its stunning visuals but also for its emotionally impactful storytelling. The series revolves around Violet, a former child soldier who transitions to a ghostwriter—a role that necessitates translating the emotions of others into heartfelt letters, despite her struggle to comprehend feelings herself.
Each episode represents a self-contained story, exploring themes of loss, regret, love, and reconciliation, with Violet serving as both an observer and participant in these journeys. With each letter she pens, her character grows—marking the quiet triumph of understated storytelling.
The series gained even more emotional weight after the tragic arson attack on Kyoto Animation in 2019, symbolizing the studio’s legacy of profound storytelling, visual excellence, and human connection. The English dub, managed by Netflix, features Erika Harlacher as Violet, who brings a nuanced vulnerability to her character.
7.Noragami
The God You Forgot to Worship
Debuting in 2014, Noragami revitalized the urban fantasy genre with its refreshing narrative. The story features Yato, a lesser god without a shrine, who aspires to gain recognition and reverence amidst a life of performing odd jobs for five yen. His quest intersects with Hiyori Iki, a human girl whose soul tends to slip from her body, and Yukine, a troubled spirit who becomes his weapon.
What begins with comedic flair quickly gives way to deeper themes of life and death. The world of Noragami explores the transient nature of existence and the spirits that linger. Studio Bones captures dynamic action sequences, ensuring that every battle feels vibrant and alive, while the series resonates emotionally at its core.
Season 2, titled Noragami Aragoto, delves into Yato’s complex history, portraying a deity shaped by regret rather than ambition. The bond he shares with Yukine, a spirit burdened with his own traumas, emerges as one of anime’s most intricate mentor-student relationships. Although the third season remains unconfirmed, Noragami continues to hold a special place in fans’ hearts, with FUNimation’s English dub striking a balance between humor and emotional depth, particularly through Jason Liebrecht’s portrayal of Yato.
6 Your Lie in April
The Sound of Cherry Blossoms Falling
Few anime evoke raw emotion through music quite like Your Lie in April, which debuted in 2014. The narrative centers on Kousei Arima, a piano prodigy who stops playing following his mother’s death, only to be revitalized by the spirited violinist Kaori Miyazono, whose exuberance becomes a catalyst for Kousei to confront his pain.
Each performance transforms into a poignant confession, with Kaori’s unrestrained style and Kousei’s emotional struggles resonating with audiences. The visual storytelling during these musical moments utilizes brilliant animation techniques, making each note hit with profound significance.
This anime is less about typical romance and more about the power of inspiration—the reminder that the right person can rekindle life’s passions, even if it’s fleeting. The dub from Aniplex of America effectively conveys this emotional depth, led by Max Mittelman and Erica Lindbeck in compelling performances.
5 Made in Abyss
Whistle Down the Hole and Hope You Come Back
Made in Abyss may appear whimsical with its animated childlike aesthetic, but it delves into darker themes that are anything but innocent. Released in 2017 and animated by Kinema Citrus, this adaptation of Akihito Tsukushi’s manga combines wonder and horror within its unique setting: a colossal pit known as The Abyss.
The Abyss is a mysterious chasm teeming with artifacts and mysterious creatures but exacts a toll on those who dare to explore its depths. At the heart of the story lies Riko, a spirited orphan determined to follow her mother into the Abyss, accompanied by Reg, a robot boy with whom she shares a unique bond.
The first season, consisting of 13 episodes, concludes on an unsettling note, particularly with the grim episode 10, which is noted for its harrowing thematic and emotional weight. Kevin Penkin’s haunting score enhances the atmosphere further, while the English dub remains accessible for viewers wishing to experience this intricate narrative.
4 Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World
Dying Is Easy. Living Through It Is the Real Curse.
Amidst the surge of isekai stories in the 2010s, Re:Zero, which premiered in 2016, stands apart for its unique twist on the genre. The protagonist, Subaru Natsuki, finds himself transported to a medieval fantasy world with a singular, dark ability: “Return by Death, ” allowing him to redo events upon his demise—though each death inflicts significant emotional and psychological toll.
What starts as a conventional isekai adventure devolves into a harrowing psychological narrative as Subaru grapples with guilt, despair, and trauma. His journey reveals deeper layers of human suffering, exploring how each attempt to change a disastrous outcome often leads to more significant repercussions.
3.Tomodachi Game
Trust No One
Although Tomodachi Game premiered in April 2022 and initially flew under the radar, it quickly garnered a devoted audience captivated by its masterful psychological twists and intricate themes of betrayal. Based on a manga series starting in 2013, the anime follows Yuuichi Katagiri and his friends as they navigate treacherous friendship competitions designed to clear a mysterious debt.
Exploring the fragility of trust among friends, the series cleverly unpacks characters’ true natures as they face manipulation and moral dilemmas. Unlike typical narratives, Yuuichi emerges as a complex figure, willing to engage in deception that rivals that of the game organizers—a choice that compels viewers to reevaluate their allegiances.
While its animation by Okuruto Noboru is more subdued, it excels in conveying facial expressions that reveal subtle shifts in character dynamics. Employing effective use of lighting to signify shifting motivations, Tomodachi Game represents a noteworthy entry in the psychological thriller category, carving out its place as one of the decade’s hidden gems.
2 Attack on Titan
Beyond The Walls Lies Freedom
When Attack on Titan burst onto the scene in 2013, it captivated audiences with its compelling storytelling, unflinching violence, and a plot steeped in the mystery and fear surrounding humanity’s existence in a world dominated by monstrous Titans. While it began as a survival horror series, it evolved into an exploration of political themes and ethical complexities.
Central to the narrative is Eren Yeager, who witnesses the tragic loss of his mother to a Titan, igniting a quest for revenge that spirals into a tale of profound tragedy. Accompanied by Mikasa and Armin, he enlists in the Scout Regiment, challenging the very monsters threatening humanity’s survival.
Over multiple seasons, Attack on Titan continually redefined itself—revealing deeper mysteries and morally ambiguous characters. The animation quality, particularly during the first three seasons by WIT Studio, was groundbreaking, with MAPPA providing a more cinematic approach in the final chapters. The series established elaborate world-building that addresses freedom, trauma, and nationalism—issues that resonate powerfully even today. It culminated in its conclusion in 2023, with a finale that sparked passionate discussions within the anime community.
1 Steins;Gate
The Butterfly Effect, but Make It Heartbreaking
Premiering in 2011 and based on the acclaimed visual novel, Steins;Gate is often heralded as one of the finest sci-fi anime productions. It captivates without relying on high-octane action or dramatic conflicts; instead, it weaves an intricate narrative based on the mechanics of time travel, emotional storytelling, and an undercurrent of suspense that gradually escalates.
The plot is centered in Akihabara, featuring Rintarou Okabe, a self-described mad scientist who, alongside his eccentric group of friends, stumbles upon a method to send messages to the past via a hacked microwave and a cellphone. What begins as innocent experimentation soon spirals into a series of catastrophic consequences across alternate timelines.
The first half leans into lighthearted comedy infused with sci-fi elements, introducing beloved characters such as Mayuri, Kurisu, and Daru. However, as the timeline fractures, Steins;Gate shifts genre, plunging into dark territory where every action has unforeseen ramifications. The narrative artfully balances real scientific principles with profound emotional stakes, emphasizing the personal toll of manipulating time.
Additionally, Steins;Gate 0, released in 2018, explores a darker alternate timeline where Okabe struggles to cope, adding further depth to the original story.
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