Board 8 > Kokoro presents: The top 100 anime of the decade (according to Kokoro).

(+) Yeah! (+)

ReLIFE is one of maybe 20 manga I've read. I guess I can still count to that on one hand if I use binary.
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15. Denpa Onna to Seishun Otoko
https://anilist.co/anime/9379/Ground-Control-to-Psychoelectric-Girl/

Denpa Onna has this distinct "weirdo" type feel to it in terms of how they handle their slice of life comedy. The cast each deliver comedy in differing ways based on their personalities but there is a ton of random out there humor that just kind of suddenly hit you in the face. There is also a decent amount of character progression, although the extent is somewhat limited. The anime does its job in dropping teases but not really giving you anything to draw a concrete conclusion on. While this can be annoying in a lot of cases, they are not really cliffhangers, just small things that add a level of flavor to the show. It's really nice to see how as Erio Touwa's (ET) beliefs start to shift in one direction the viewers are pushed in the other based on what is shown. When you mix this with some of the most moe characters of the decade this becomes a very enjoyable title.

14. One Punch Man
https://anilist.co/anime/21087/OnePunch-Man/

One Punch Man might be the perfect "action comedy". With call backs to some obvious influences (or shows it's satirizing whatever you prefer) you get these whiffs of nostalgia without it really being anything you've seen before. The characters all have this "comic book" type vibe to them that really fit the show. This is among the most "western" feeling shows on the entire list. The fight scenes are all top class and a lot of them mix together the anime's unique style of humor. The production level on the first season is basically through the roof as well.

13. No Game No Life
https://anilist.co/anime/19815/No-Game-No-Life/

Visually, NGNL is a stunning experience. It has one of the more unique and recognizable color palettes of the past decade. It mixes some of the best aspects of shows like Problem Children and Log Horizon, but basically takes out the boring stuff, gives the cast more personality, and has a much better production team behind it. The mix of games they play is pretty large, but the large scale ones are epic in scope. A big difference in NGNL compared to some other titles that share similar traits to it (like the aforementioned Log Horizon) is that there are actual concrete goals the main characters have that they are working towards. Maybe the Log Horizon gang has some ultimate goal, but a lot of that show feels like them going around in a circle with the promise of progression at some point. Stuff that happens in this anime feels like it has some sort of purpose, be it showing the viewer how concepts work to gaining new allies, I appreciate it doesn't spend the short period of time it has on "nonsense" content. That said, this is probably the anime I'd want a sequel (where one has not been announced or probable to happen) on the list. It's too bad it might never happen due to legality hell now.

12. Chuunibyou demo Koi ga Shitai!
https://anilist.co/anime/14741/Love-Chunibyo--Other-Delusions/

It's rare that anime these days pretty much vernacularize a word in the typical anime fans vocabulary. The two biggest of this decade being Isekai and Chuunibyou. While both have existed before the big titles that made them well known (Sword Art Online and this anime respectively), it's an understatement to say that they've had an impact since they aired. I think besides High Score Girl, this might be the most "nostalgic" anime on the list. I look at some of the dumb antics and how vividly the casts animations come to life and it's 100% things I did when I was younger. The cast is among the most likable of the decade and the way they interact with each other is almost unparalleled. The parts where they go into "Chuuni Mode" are absolutely amazing to watch. There is just a sense of pure happiness when you watch this that is hard to replicate.

11. Haikyuu!!
https://anilist.co/anime/20464/HAIKYU/

If you've seen me talk about it you know I don't really like sports anime (at least the ones where the main focus is the sport itself). Haikyuu is so well made and has such compelling characters mixed with some of the best chemistry I've seen in a sports title that it's pretty impossible to dislike this anime. I look at some shows like that Sumo one, or the Rugby one whatever. Anime that have similar premises to Haikyuu, an undersized kid wants to play a sport and has to prove they can do it. But they just fail at the set up. It's not enough for characters to be determined and work hard, history and personality is important and Haikyuu doesn't neglect that. Or you take something like Kuroko no Basket, where among other issues, the cast just doesn't come together the same way as here. Another big issue is that sports shows are also subject to some of the worst pacing in anime, you know what? Haikyuu is paced extremely well too. So much so that they made an entire 10 episode season of ONE MATCH feel like the perfect length because of how they handled it. You get to know character back stories, but they are not so long that you feel like they are extending the show needlessly. On top of that they use these backstories and the way they build the characters to enhance the emotional impact later on. And I didn't even talk about just how good the anime looks and sounds.

Revue Starlight <333333

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10. Skilled Teaser Takagi-san
https://anilist.co/anime/99468/Teasing-Master-Takagisan/

I think that going off of execution Skilled Teaser Takagi-san is at the top of the pile. The simple concept of Takagi teasing her overzealous classmate, Nishikata is just done to absolute perfection. Each skit has a very similar set up, Nishikata thinks he can find a way to embarrass Takagi, only to be outsmarted in some way and look like the fool. To say this anime is wholesome is an understatement. I think also in terms of overall chemistry together these two have some of the best going for them. Their personalities just make the show so enjoyable. Rie Takahashi does a phenomenal job for voice talent. There is a level of subtly that is pretty much unmatched. Even as much as I like this I was kind of surprised just how overall popular this IP is.

9. Erased
https://anilist.co/anime/21234/ERASED/

Ending aside, which is just kind of a let down and not bad imo, Erased might have one of the most compelling stories (as a hint though I don't have it in my top 3 best stories). I think what defines Erased though are a collection of certain scenes that just hit it out of the park. I'm talking about stuff like Kayo's first home cooked meal, the confrontation with the mom, the Christmas tree, the aquarium, etc. The anime builds up things in such a good way that you really feel the impact of these amazing scenes. If you watch something like say The Lion King remake, the Pokemon OVA, or even the Erased live action it's like they are just hitting check marks in those. You go to familiar places and see things that impacted you before, but they feel soulless. Erased draws in the viewer emotionally better than almost any show I've seen.

8. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
https://anilist.co/anime/5114/Fullmetal-Alchemist-Brotherhood/

FMA: BH barely qualifies for this list and is the oldest title to appear. To say that this show has been well received would be an understatement. I'll be totally honest, I don't remember a whole lot of specifics here because it's been so long. I actually remember more of the 2003 version simply because it's one of the few titles I've seen more than once (due to owning it). But what I do remember of this is incredible. I really enjoyed basically everything after the "split" section and I like the portrayals of the characters in this version over the 2003 one. Even though I think the 2003 one had some better ideas, I think the execution of Brotherhood is pretty much flawless. The only weird part was that first episode that had like nothing to do with anything.

7. Madoka Magica
https://anilist.co/anime/9756/Puella-Magi-Madoka-Magica/

Madoka Magica, while not the first show if its kind, was so well done and popular that it might as well have been. As a title that came out early in the decade Madoka Magica has had a clear impact on the shows that followed it. Stuff like Yuki Yuna, Wixoss, and Magical Girl Raising Project 100% owe its anime releases to how Madoka exploded. The anime's mix of weird and almost disturbing art style in the witch zones and the usually bright but sometimes almost "sad" art of the real world is fantastic. The characters are utilized extremely well in focusing on Madoka and her ultimate choice in the end. Kyuubey is one of the most iconic villains in anime history.



6. Re:Zero
https://anilist.co/anime/21355/ReZero-kara-Hajimeru-Isekai-Seikatsu

One of the greatest feats Re:Zero has is it makes a character that pretty much is almost completely unlikable (in Subaru) and redeems him through the story and character progression. But actions he takes are as realistic as they can be in the confines of the anime. His descent into despair and his climb out although hard to watch is done very well. The anime does an incredible job at turning something that might make a viewer think that the main character has a cheat code into part horror story and part puzzle solver. The action scenes are well done, the anime just has a mix of a lot of elements and only kind of falters at the romance angles. It builds an intriguing world and mixes together some of the most memorable characters of the decade.

bump so i dont forget

5. Your Lie in April
https://anilist.co/anime/20665/Your-Lie-in-April/

Your Lie in April is among the most beautiful portrayals of human growth and emotion that has been put to the small screen. While I don't think this is really a tear jerker in the way something like Clannad After Story is, this title really makes you feel the weight of what each character is going through. The clear progression of growth and change in characters, especially Kousei, is pretty much unmatched this decade imo. I think this is not a series about loss or grief, it's one about acceptance and perseverance. Of course there are parts that play up the drama, but it's done in ways and at times that really maximize the impact and don't make it feel cheap. When you mix it with the production quality, especially the musical score attached this is one of the most amazing watches of the decade.

4. K-On!!
https://anilist.co/anime/5680/KON/

The second season of the "original" moeblob show is maybe the greatest display of the unity of friendship between a cast of characters in anime. When I compare this title to other slice of life shows, even ones on this list like Yuru Yuri, Kiniro, etc. This is clearly much much better in terms of how they build each character, show their relationships, how they pace the comedy overall. Everything is really cute, but being cute was not the focus it was seeing the growth of friendship. In this season Yui goes from a good anime protagonist to an all time great character. She simply steals the show. There is also a surprising amount of more serious moments in the series with stem from how characters personalities start to show in their actions and emotions. I think people often pass over this series as just a cgdct moeblob show, but there is a level of care in constructing the characters and their personalities that most dramas don't bother to reach. K-On is a land mark series and in its genre has not been matched in the near decade it has been since it finished.

3. Chihayafuru
https://anilist.co/anime/10800/Chihayafuru/

Do you know those shows that have a moment when you know you're watching something great? For me it was that scene where Chihayaya took that one card. Chihayayfuru is a sports but not a sports show. It's hard to describe. The actual sport itself in karuta is important to the show, very much so, but the reasoning for playing it goes way beyond just being "the best" at the game. The personal reasons the main cast has for competing are varied and compelling. As the show progresses their personalities and play styles become more refined and defined in natural ways. This might be the best show of the decade when it comes to introducing new characters. They just implement them in the most natural ways possible and after growing pains they them feel like natural parts of the show like you can't remember when they were not there. This anime has some of the best sound production in anime and when mixed with the pacing and animation quality each moment feels so impactful. As for the actual karuta, it is amazing to watch. The way they mix the actual physical play with a sense of strategy to go along with everything else is incredible. I read how MADHOUSE went out of their way to get everyone back for S3 despite the growth of the cast and staff who worked on it since S2 ended. It was worth it.

2. Mawauru Penguindrum
https://anilist.co/anime/10721/Penguindrum/

SURVIVAL STRATEGY! Penguindrum is a show that mixes weird and sometimes outrageous imagery, somewhat cliched themes, and a deep psychological story that digs deep into character motive and emotion. This is an an anime that aired in 2011 (1, 2 and 3 all debuted in 2011) and has a lot to cover in it. I can't really do it justice because it's been such a long time so a lot of details do escape me. But I do know they build things up to have impact when they reveal the big moments. They let you get to know characters before their big moments. This is not to say the show is devoid of humor or even poking fun if itself sometimes. I think characters like Ringo are often forgotten when thinking about greatest characters of the decade, but she is so important to the first half of the anime and so compelling as one of the main characters that she should get more accolades. I compare this to another show (by the same person) that is the most recent in Sarazanmai and that's when I really notice how good Penguindrum is. Because Sarazanmai is not good. That anime kind of forces what it is down your throat and Penguindrum kind of gives you a piece of candy and you suck on it a little, but you want more so it keeps giving you more and more of it until finally you are high on all the sugar.

1. Steins;Gate
https://anilist.co/anime/9253/SteinsGate/

I don't think I have to really explain why this is number 1. I fully expect this to be number 1 in Votch's topic too for the b8anime community vote. I think when you mix together everything in this, story, humor, characters, drama, and just how everything is pieced together this is the complete package. It might not be the absolute best at anything but it's so good in every aspect that there are pretty much no weak spots to poke at. Okabe Rintarou is possibly the best character of the decade. His portrayal is now considered to be legendary. The anime does such a great job at mixing in "anime character traits" but also showing a very relatable person behind each face. Even though I pretty much predicted some of the twists it didn't make it feel like it was bad, the execution behind how and when they do things is pretty much perfect. This is one of the few anime in existence that is better when you watch it twice. I can't praise this anime enough.

Full list is below. Might have some naming inconsistencies etc.
If you want to know my thoughts on other shows you can ask me about them and I'll tell you why they are not on the list.

1.Steins;Gate
2.Mawaru Penguindrum
3.Chihayafuru
4.K-On!!
5.Your Lie in April
6.Re:Zero
7.Madoka Magica
8.Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
9.Erased
10.Skilled Teaser Takagi-san
11.Haikyuu!!
12.Chuu2
13.No Game No Life
14.One Punch Man
15.Denpa Onna to Seishun Otoko
16.Revue Starlight
17.World Conquest Zvezda Plot
18.High Score Girl
19.Nichijou
20.ReLife
21.Kill la Kill
22.Land of the Lustrous
23.Aggrestuko
24.Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai
25.Milky Holmes S2
26.Attack on Titan
27.Rokka no Yuusha
28.Princess Principal
29.Kiniro Mosaic
30.Sword Art Online: Alicization
31.Knights of Sidonia S2
32.Dororo
33.Dusk Maiden of Amnesia
34.Haiyore! Nyaruko-san
35.March Comes in Like a Lion S2
36.Asobi Asobase
37.Konohana Kitan
38.Magi (S2 2013)
39.The Ambition of Oda Nobuna
40.Yuushibu
41.DRRR + S2 Ketsu
42.Miss Kobayashis Dragon Maid
43.New Game!
44.Food Wars
45.Is this a Zombie?
46.Golden Kamuy S2
47.Shimoneta
48.Kiss Him Not Me
49.Humanity has Declined
50.Mob Psycho S2
51.Welcome to Demon School
52.Endro~
53.Hinamatsuri
54.Astra Lost in Space
55.As Miss Beezlebub Likes it
56.Fate/kaleid Illya S3
57.Steins;Gate 0
58.The Pet Girl of Sakurasou
59.AoButa
60.Psycho-Pass
61.Violet Evergarden
62.91 Days
63.The Promised Neverland
64.Sakai Kusuo
65.Shinryaku! Ika Musume
66.Little Witch Academia
67.Flip Flappers
68.Konosuba
69.JoJos Bizzare Adventure
70.Space Dandy
71.Bloom into You
72.Baka and Test Summon the Beasts S2
73.Hyouka
74.Girls und Panzer
75.Is the Order a Rabbit? S2
76.Parasyte - the maxim
77.Non Non Biyori
78.Charlotte
79.How to Keep a Mummy
80.Noucome
81.A Certain Scientific Railgun
82.Card Captor Sakura Clear Card
83.My Hero Academia
84.Usagi Drop
85.Kokkoku
86.Yuru Yuri
87.Acchi Kochi
88.Actually Im
89.Demon Slayer
90.High School DxD
91.Watamote
92.Strike Witches S2
93.Natsumes Book of Friends S3+
94.Hunter x Hunter
95.The Unlimited Hyoubu Kyousuke
96.Yona of the Dawn
97.Slow Start
98.Slime Isekai
99.Gabriel Dropout
100.Chaika The Coffin Princess

Great top 3. Also like Madoka and FMAB a lot.

Not a huge fan of Your Lie in April but whatever I guess I can live with it.

Wish Penguindrum was more widely watched than it is. I haven't watched Sarazanmai yet, but I expect I'll always view Penguindrum as Ikuhara's magnum opus despite the fact that Utena has a much bigger place in the anime culture or whatever.
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