We list some of the most popular animes in recent years within their respective genres, either in terms of quality or number of fans
Keeping up with all of the anime that is broadcast from Japan season after season is a mission that takes hundreds and hundreds of hours. Weekly, we find in the Japanese grid not only episodes of well-known long-running series like One Piece or Boruto, but also many projects of varying calibre that compete for the viewer’s attention and attendance. If you are one of those who meticulously searches through the best anime lists before beginning to watch any of them, we have compiled a list of some of the most popular ones that have begun airing in recent years. The series on this list are the most popular works of the last decade, excluding the most well-known works, whether for their quality or for having a loud fandom. It might be time to give that anime you’ve heard so much about but have yet to watch a chance.
Gintama
In a future feudal Japan invaded by aliens and where the samurai profession has been banned, we meet the members of the Yorozuya: a former samurai, a yato and a boy with glasses. This anime, which has its origins in a popular manga published in Shonen Jump, mixes humor with drama in a masterful way, giving birth to some of the most hilarious, memorable surreal and epic moments in the industry. With a total of 367 episodes (some more animated than others), Gintama offers hundreds of hours of fun and a varied cast of characters that have earned a place in the hearts of many fans, causing its different seasons to monopolize several of the first places in the top of MyAnimeList animes.
You can enjoy it on Crunchyroll and Hulu.
Yuri!!! on ice
The manganime scene was revolutionized in 2016 with the premiere of this ice-skating series. It was partly thanks to its beautiful animation, which unfortunately was neglected with the passing of the episodes until it ended up being a source of ridicule within the fandom. But much of its charm resided in its characters and the interactions between them, and that was preserved until its last episode. In Yuri!!! On Ice you can follow the story of different ice skaters who compete with each other, get to know each other, form bonds and evolve.
You can watch all 12 episodes of this series on Crunchyroll and Funimation.
Jujutsu Kaisen
It is the shonen that is causing a furor since its winter 2020 season. A series with an incredible rhythm, characters that exude charisma in every pixel and a plot that combines humor with combats against curses in a magnificent way. In addition, its animation accompanies the rhythm of the plot, making watching this series a most satisfying experience. It is still airing, and its first season will end when it reaches 24 episodes.
We can watch it on Crunchyroll, Funimation and HBO Max.
Kimetsu no Yaiba (Demon Slayer)
If you had internet connection during 2019 you probably came across more than one picture of a boy with a boar’s head or a girl with some kind of bamboo in her mouth. Demon Slayer was one of the most popular shonen of 2019 by far and it’s a trend that continues into 2022. A story full of action and battles throughout already two seasons and that was the gateway to the genre for many people who, until that time, had not been encouraged to consume this type of Japanese series.
We can watch both seasons on Crunchyroll and Funimation, and the first season on Netflix and Hulu.
Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure
One of the most acclaimed manga of the Shonen Jump since 1986 came to the small screen in 2012 with the animated adaptation of its first arc. Respecting its mangaka Hirohiko Araki’s characteristic drawing style and use of color, this series has already adapted the first five arcs of the manga in a total of 152 episodes. Its popularity has grown a lot in the last years beyond the Japanese borders, turning many of its moments into, practically, part of the popular culture. Like all long shonen, it has moments in which the pace of the plot slows down, but if we are able to overlook it, we will have dozens of hours full of action and quality ahead of us.
You can watch its seasons on Netflix, Crunchyroll, Tubi and Hulu.
Shingeki no Kyojin (Attack on Titan)
The post-apocalyptic titan manga had its TV adaptation in 2013 with the first season of Attack on Titan. A little more than eight years later, we are living the broadcast of its fourth and final season, discovering all the secrets and political intricacies where the titans are not being the most terrifying enemy. It is a series that has kept its fans in suspense for years, with an addictive narrative and a length that suits it like a glove.
You can watch its episodes on Crunchyroll, Funimation, Hulu and Adult Swim.
Hunter x Hunter
Despite the fact that both the manga and its anime version have been on hold for over a year, Hunter x Hunter is still a series worth mentioning. It is a shonen that consciously reminds us of JRPG adventures like Dragon Quest and whose characters have such a noble background that they are capable of winning a place in the heart of any viewer. We warn you that after the series’ 148 episodes, the story is still unfinished and you won’t be able to find its conclusion in the manga either. However, it is worth every minute, as each and every one of its characters give off a unique and unforgettable warmth.
You can watch its episodes on Crunchyroll, Netflix, Funimation and Tubi.
Haikyuu!!
Although at first glance volleyball matches between high school students may not seem like the most exciting event to make a series about, Haikyuu is an incredible journey. With exquisite animation and soundtrack, accompanying the Karasuno’s players is an audiovisual delight that can spark interest in the sport, even in the most hesitant of viewers. Thanks to this, they have won the affection of a multitude of fans creating a great community around them.
It can be watched on Crunchyroll.
Shigatsu wa kimi no uso (Your Lie in April)
This popular slice-of-life anime won the hearts of many viewers thanks to its endearing and tear-jerking storyline. Its plot revolves around two high school students united by their passion for music.With their piano and violin, they bring to life the anime’s unforgettable soundtrack, which combined with its pampered animation make its 22 chapters an unforgettable journey. Get your tissues ready for the finale.
We can watch the series on Crunchyroll, Funimation, Hulu and HBO Max.
Monogatari
The different seasons of Monogatari make up a series that is complicated to explain. It is a dense audiovisual work, full of bizarre moments and very peculiar scenes. It stands out specially for its aesthetics, its character design and its incredible animation. Of course, we recommend watching it slowly and not consuming it all at once in order to fully appreciate every minute of footage.
We can watch the series on Crunchyroll and Funimation.
Boku no hero (My Hero Academia)
If there has been an anime series that in recent years has created a fan community that stands out for its size, it is Boku no Hero. The first season of the shonen was broadcasted in 2019, which, due to the popularity of the manga on which it was based, promised to be a successor to the great sagas that were coming to an end such as Naruto and One Piece. And, in terms of popularity, it has been. The fifth season finished just a few months ago and the manga that deals with a society in which being a hero is as common a job as being a firefighter is still on the air. It is a highly choral work, full of adventures and charismatic characters.
You can watch it on Crunchyroll, Funimation and Hulu.
Dragon Ball Super
A safe bet for those who, when the situation required it, sent all their strength to Goku to save the planet. Set on a planet Earth seven years after the events of Dragon Ball Z, the 131 episodes of this season allow us to follow in the footsteps of the classic cast with some new characters. Those who have already earned a place in our hearts and in the pop culture imaginary return to the small screen to give us more fusions, battles and epic moments.
You can watch it on Crunchyroll, Funimation, Hulu and Adult Swim.
Banana Fish
A shy Japanese boy ends up at a serious crossroads in the New York mafia because of his new friendship with Ash. Being two polar opposites, Eji and Ash will have to defy a whole web of powerful characters to get out of the situation during the 24 episodes in which their adventures are condensed. An anime recommended especially for those looking for a more western story, with a tense plot that keeps you on the edge of the couch all the time.
You can watch it on Prime Video.
Puella Magi Madoka magica
Although at first glance it may seem like a run-of-the-mill magical girl series, Madoka Magica revolutionized the genre by rethinking its foundations and its most worn tropes. It’s a grittier story than one might predict after watching the first few episodes, with a range of bitter grays that surprises with an unforgettable ending. With only twelve episodes, a good choice to spend a weekend glued to the screen.
You can watch it on Crunchyroll, Funimation Netflix, Hulu and HBO Max
Himouto! Umaru-chan
For those looking for a good time, Umaru-chan is the ideal choice. With self-contained and dynamic chapters, Umaru provides hours of comedy while its characters gradually make a place in our hearts. Its name comes from its protagonist, Umaru. At first glance she seems like a perfect high school girl, with a spotless record and impeccable grades. However, we discover that when she gets home she shrinks to chibi size and the only thing that stops her from playing Monster Hunter is the broadcast of her favorite anime.
You can watch it on Crunchyroll and Prime Video.
Osomatsu-san
In the same vein as the previous one, Osomatsu-san is a comedy anime that aired in 2015. It is based on the sextuplets who starred in Osomatsu-kun, a children’s comedy series from the 1960s. In the modern version the siblings have grown up and, each with their own distinct personalities and traits, are a headache for their parents. Jobless and uneducated, the series shows how they try to live life and, from time to time, earn some money, giving rise to endless hilarious moments. It is a light series and one of the best options if you like humor with a bitter touch.
You can watch it on Crunchyroll.
Akatsuki no yona
It may be one of the least known series on the list, but it has a devoted following. It is a historical anime, full of magic and warriors, with a strong protagonist and a cast with great character arcs. Its 24 episodes do not conclude the entire plot, since the manga on which it is based is still in publication, but it is a good way to enjoy the beginning of the story and even to get started in it and then continue with the paper version.
You can watch it on Crunchyroll, Funimation and Hulu.
Kakegurui
The plot of this series is surreal but tremendously addictive. With a fast pace, it tells the story of a private school where the fate of the students is decided by means of terrifying bets and games of chance. On many occasions, we will find ourselves tense while betting our fingernails or similar things. In each chapter, we will live a new game, with its own rules and loopholes, which will make us chain one episode after another without realizing it.
The series is available on Netflix.
Zankyou no Terror (Terror in Resonance)
In the twelve episodes in which this story is concentrated, Nine and Twelve take teenage existentialism to its extreme. They are two terrorists who threaten Tokyo, and little by little we will discover their background and motives while the government tries to hunt them down. A concise and emotional story, full of action and tense moments, perfect for a weekend marathon.
The anime is available on Funimation and Hulu.
Diamond no Ace
Perhaps another of the lesser-known works on the list, but highly acclaimed by all those who have seen it. It is a sports anime that follows the steps of a Japanese high school baseball team. We will watch them grow, improve, learn and evolve both off and on the field, living with them their victories and failures. The fourth season is expected to be broadcast in 2022, while the previous three total 178 episodes.
The anime is available on Crunchyroll.
Of course, the big titans of the industry such as Bleach, One Piece, Naruto and more have to be mentioned. They were not included in the list because they have been airing or were airing in the past decade and do not fall into the “recent years” category. In addition, these works are all included in the shonen genre and are well known to everyone, so it would reduce the variety of the list above.
We hope that among all the anime mentioned in this list you have discovered something to enjoy during the next few days. Remember to keep an eye out for new anime this season, as we never know which anime will surprise us and which will be the next one to break through in popularity and set a new course in the industry.