Best Anime of 2023

Honorable Mentions
Top Seven Anime of the Year
Top Seven Opening and Ending Credits

Introduction

I usually don’t have an introduction to this page, but felt it necessary given 2023 likely marked the crescendo of my anime watching. This year I participated in the Reddit r/anime Anime Awards 2023 as one of eight jurors in the top “Anime of the Year” category. While my opinions usually differed from the majority of my peers, the experience still proved gratifying and enlightening, particularly when appreciating production intricacies and gaining a deeper understanding of the western anime community. Feel free to check out the final results here: https://animeawards.moe/results/all, where I wrote the content for “Read Category Info”, Tengoku Daimakyou, and [Oshi no Ko] within the “Anime of the Year” category, as well as reviewed and redrafted the Cinematography category. Many of the ideas presented below on this page are rooted in the opinions and insights gained during discussions with my fellow jurors. Hope you enjoy and without further ado:

Shows of the Year

Honorable Mentions (7.0+)

Blue Lock

Studio: 8bit
Premiered: Fall 2022/Winter 2023

Entertaining but occasionally an overbearing and long winded story about developing Japan’s next soccer striker.

Rating: 7.0/10

Kimi no Koto ga Daidaidaidaidaisuki na 100-nin no Kanojo

The 100 Girlfriends Who Really, Really, Really, Really, Really Love You

Studio: Bibury Animation Studios
Premiered: Fall 2023

A bizarre and comedic parody of the harem genre that has justifiably developed a cult following through its pandemonium.

Rating: 7.1/10

Jujutsu Kaisen 2nd Season

Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2

Studio: MAPPA
Premiered: Summer/Fall 2023

An epitome of action animation quality, which covers for a muddled and ill paced shounen narrative barring a few gasping twists.

Rating: 7.1/10

Zom 100: Zombie ni Naru made ni Shitai 100 no Koto

Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead

Studio: BUG FILMS
Premiered: Summer 2023

A vivid, comedic, and carefree apocalypse show that struggles with antagonist and in the moments it attempts to ground itself.

Rating: 7.2/10

Oniichan wa Oshimai!

Onimai: I’m Now Your Sister!

Studio: Studio Bind
Premiered: Winter 2023

A depiction of rehabbing a hikiNEET with consistently exceptional production and a contemporary script, but is innately problematic.

Rating: 7.3/10

Pokemon Concierge

Studio: dwarf
Premiered: Fall 2023

An ephemeral glimmer of inner peace for four episodes, leaving core lessons of adapting to a relaxed and self-assured mindset.

Rating: 8.0/10

Spy x Family Season 2

Studio: Wit Studio, CloverWorks
Premiered: Fall 2023

The wholesome and comedic story of double lives appealing to all ages, imparting but not fully capitalizing on themes of motivations in war and the importance of family.

Rating: 8.0/10

Kaguya-sama wa Kokurasetai: First Kiss wa Owaranai

Kaguya-sama: Love is War – The First Kiss That Never Ends

Studio: A-1 Pictures
Premiered: Winter 2023

A follow up movie to a fantastic third season that maintains the stellar comedy, but introduces a sappy and cheap climax while also occasionally ignoring its side characters.

Rating: 8.1/10

Top Seven Anime of the Year

7. [Oshi no Ko]

“Oshi no Ko”

Studio: Doga Kobo
Premiered: Spring 2023
Episodes: 11
Genre: Drama, Mystery

While the thrilling premier of [Oshi no Ko] frames a dark mystery, the show’s true strength lies in its portrayal of Aqua and Ruby, twin children of legendary idol Ai, navigating Japan’s entertainment industry. Through them, the show crafts a resonant exploration of the therapeutic power that relationships can have.

Despite Aqua’s role as one of the protagonists, his character often undermines the impact of the show. His motivations clumsily progress the peripheral mystery forward, while his habitual brooding and monotone demeanor exacerbates the frequent superficial industry criticism and reliance on expository dialogue.

During these recurring monologue sequences, the animation remains generally still, relying on subtle body movements and solid character design to avoid tedium. However, outside of these static storyboarding moments, the production captivates. The finale delivers the gold standard of idol concerts, comedic sequences are uniquely detailed, and the cinematography consistently illustrates emotions and power dynamics through its lighting and recurring close-ups.

These latter cinematic techniques are most striking during Episode 6, which spirals to a harrowing climax. Alone, this episode is among this year’s most memorable, innovatively adapting a real-life example of the damaging impacts of modern online culture. However, its broader significance is in laying the foundations for the show’s contemporary themes that surpass the arc’s brisk resolution towards mental health.

Through this episode, characters become representations of obsession and loneliness bred by collectivism, unveiling the show’s positive message advocating for genuine relationships and open dialogue. It’s a modern perspective that is unafraid to confront societal issues. It’s emotional, authentic, novel, and it involves each major character to reinforce [Oshi no Ko]‘s deliberate setting within an industry where connections reign supreme.

Rating: 8.2/10 (8.66 MAL)

6. Shingeki no Kyojin: The Final Season – Kanketsu-hen

Attack on Titan: Final Season – The Final Chapters

Studio: MAPPA
Premiered: Winter 2023, Fall 2023
Episodes: 2 (+87 Episodes Previous)
Genre: Drama, Action

Shingeki no Kyojin‘s widely controversial manga conclusion once again takes center stage in 2023, as a two-part finale concludes a decade of anime dominance. Building on previous installments of The Final Season collection, Kanketsu-hen expands on gripping themes of regret, trauma, and retribution internalized by the characters born within the series’ relentless cycle of violence. Brutal scenes rumble across these two specials, agonizingly illustrating the inherent despair within the world of titans and genocide.

Visually, the finale showcases an improvement to MAPPA’s production compared to previous Final Season installments. Particularly notable is the refinement of CGI titans and their movements within chaotic action sequences, reminiscent of the awe-inspiring fights from WIT Studio’s tenure. The narrative pacing is also managed well, heightening tension in moments of urgency and seamlessly transitioning between characters engaged in separate battles.

However, despite these improvements, the production still occasionally falters through its storyboarding. Dramatic profile shots announce character emotions, several uninspiring monologues are delivered by protagonists and antagonists alike, and rising action is woven together with a collection of unoriginal sudden rescues and conflict revivals. In general, the once contemplative and unpredictable narrative structure of The Final Season, gives way to a more linear trajectory which only veers during muddled justifications of heroism, free will, and love.

These major thematic paths of Kanketsu-hen converge to an undeniably polarizing climax and haphazard epilogue. Yet the denouement boldly pioneers another deviation from shounen genre conventions by realistically leaving complex conflict and pain unresolved, and consequently, despite its flaws, the two specials remain an entertaining watch. Kanketsu-hen may not be the paragon ending to many, but it certainly underscores the remarkable achievements of Hajime Isayama and Shingeki no Kyojin within the modern era of Japanese media.

Rating: 8.3/10 (8.90 MAL)

5. Suzume no Tojimari

Suzume

Studio: CoMix Wave Films
Premiered: Spring 2023
Duration: 2 hours 1 minutes
Genre: Supernatural, Adventure, Drama

Through a signature CoMix anime original, Suzume confronts the painful memories of Japan’s recent natural disasters, weaving folklore into the modern age. The narrative embarks on a journey across Japan, blending drama, comedy, and suspense as the characters fight to prevent ageless beasts from causing seismic destruction.

True to form, the studio once again delivers a visually stunning experience, tackling landscapes ranging from the bustling metropolises to abandoned countrysides – each anchoring the narrative progression. Immersive detail is given to portraying the technological age in calmer scenes, while tracking and profile shots repeatedly heighten the supernatural action throughout. It’s an enchanting production spell that only periodically wavers through incongruent 3DCG composting within busy environments.

Similarly, while some character arcs occasionally falter, particularly in the rapid evolution of the main duo’s dynamic and the sudden divine players of Suzume’s road trip, the majority of interactions fill the story with amusing banter, palpable conflict, and cathartic moments

The film’s smooth narrative cadence and structure allow these production and character elements to shine, ultimately delivering the poignant and direct message Director Makoto Shinkai aimed to convey to the victims of the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake. However, the film’s climax transcends this specific event, resonating as an open letter on perseverance and communal strength in the face of trauma, displacement, and uncertainty. It’s a powerful and relevant theme, one which establishes Suzume as a contemplative and enduring message of hope for tomorrow.

Rating: 8.4/10 (8.3 1 MAL)

4. Kimitachi wa Dou Ikiru ka

The Boy and the Heron

Studio: Studio Ghibli
Premiered (USA): Fall 2023
Duration: 2 hours 3 minutes
Genre: Coming of Age, Adventure, Fantasy

Initially conceived as the final project of the esteemed director, Hayao Miyazaki, Kimitachi wa Dou Ikiru ka delivers an occult coming-of-age tale imbued with unexpected autobiographical wartime inspirations from its notoriously reclusive director.

As anticipated, the film is another installment in Miyazaki’s catalog of hand-drawn animation masterpieces, becoming the most expensive film to be produced in Japan after seven years of labor. The characters breathe with emotional vitality and each frame pulsates with modern flair. This is exemplified by a recurring building inferno that engulfs the screen in a mesmerizing dance of untamed flames and blurred faces. Furthermore, the film’s landscapes are breathtaking, unveiling diverse color palettes and cinematography ranging from centered focal points to wide angle shots to surrealistic flat landscapes that depart from the director’s traditional folklore realms.

Yet, amidst the unmistakable Miyazki fingerprint, individual components occasionally lack the resonance of past works. For instance, small cute creatures reminiscent of Totoro are visually charming but fail to enrich the plot or world-building, while the relationship between the young protagonists is hurried, lacking the depth of other character dynamics.

On a grander scale the film’s enigmatic themes and motivations can also prove divisive among viewers. There is a heavy World War II presence established early and maintained by antagonistic birds whose comedic roles express the complexities of war. But the film defies superficial and misleading categorization as a wartime film. Instead, the narrative employs this era as a canvas to illustrate shifting dynamics between traditional and individualistic values in Japan, and through this backdrop the protagonist grapples with legacy, expectation, and insecurity to forge his own destiny in the face of profound loss. Surreal and contemplative, Kimitachi wa Dou Ikiru ka stands uniquely within Miyazaki’s illustrious filmography, inviting viewers on a visually spectacular odyssey of introspection.

Rating: 8.4/10 (7.62 MAL)

3. Blue Giant

Blue Giant

Studio: Nut
Premiered (USA): Fall 2023
Duration: 1 hours 59 minutes
Genre: Music, Drama

As a film, Blue Giant is littered with shortcomings. Its narrative following the ascent of an aspiring jazz musician is far from novel. Disruptive retrospective clips repeatedly puncture the narrative flow. The animation mutates into blatant 3DCG during key moments, and landscapes can often feel desolate. Yet, amidst these imperfections, the movie emerges victoriously among one of the year’s best works.

The film’s strength lies within its depiction of music and those involved in the art, embodied through protagonist and tenor saxophone player Dai. His boundless passion continually acts as an unwavering source of inspiration against the inertia of experience and the unease of inexperience. True to his character, he remains steadfast and without much development, leaving the film’s emotional resonance to be found in his bandmates’ arcs and the diverse expressions of jazz adoration among side characters. Nevertheless, Dai orchestrates the film through a palpable and infectious excitement to his artistry.

This exceptionally shines during the stage performances, which pulsate with a visual essence of jazz. The music is highly energetic, mirrored through rotating camera work, rapid transitions between musicians and audiences, vibrant colors, and cosmic symbolism. Impacts fly through the screen and lights warp under the gravitational pull of the music. It’s a dynamic visual feast that is only interrupted during solos, when steady shots transport the viewer directly into the focused eyes of the audience.

These impressive performance visuals become increasingly expressive as the band’s music takes stronger form, ultimately culminating in a final movement that is surreal, abstract, and undeniably captivating as the music transcends its auditory confines. The flaws in Blue Giant may be conspicuous, but they are eclipsed by a journey of shared passion and a triumphant celebration of jazz.

Rating: 8.5/10 (8.41 MAL)

2. Tengoku Daimakyou

Heavenly Delusion

Studio: Production I.G
Premiered: Spring 2023
Episodes: 13
Genre: Apocalypse, Mystery, Action

Tengoku Daimakyou opens across two contrasting narratives: one within the confines of a utopian children’s facility, the other tracing a duo’s odyssey across a post-apocalyptic Japan. Yet, both storylines undergo an artful subversive evolution, challenging their initial portrayals. Scenes increasingly juxtapose the facility’s claustrophobic and austere interiors with the wide-open and warmly paletted landscapes of the road trip, deftly crafting a sense of curiosity and tension within the viewer.

At the core of this narrative prowess lies outstanding production quality. Each scene is bathed in evocative lighting, action is impressively shot with high angles or dynamic camera movements, and the background art is consistently gorgeous. The storyboarding is also superb, unveiling the mysterious world at a tantalizing pace. Every moment feels purposeful, whether it’s comedic relief maintaining narrative significance or conversational topics becoming ensuing establishing shots.

While the narrative is unwavering, the characters occasionally falter. The children in the facility are purposefully alien, but blend together in an expanded cast. Similarly, while the duo’s personalities are charming, they verge on being unoriginal.

However, the show’s most contentious aspect emerges in the finale. Exceptional production thrusts forward themes of self-identity through a merciless scene that is difficult to watch. The scene, coupled with the absence of a clear resolution, cast a pessimistic shadow across both plotlines, understandably leaving some viewers dissatisfied. But it’s a deliberate artistic choice. By maintaining a steadfast commitment to its narrative tone and refusing to provide an easy release from the tension it builds, Tengoku Daimakyou emerges as a distinct beacon within anime, challenging its audience with complex and audacious storytelling.

Rating: 8.6/10 (8.22 MAL)

1. Skip to Loafer

Skip and Loafer

Studio: P.A. Works
Premiered: Spring 2023
Episodes: 12 Episodes
Genre: Coming of Age, Slice of Life, Comedy

Through the story of high schooler Mitsumi’s transition from rural to urban Japan, Skip and Loafer artfully balances an extensive cast full of authentic personalities, flawlessly sparking emotional connection to each evolving friendship. It’s an impressive achievement that few shows can accomplish.

The foundation of the show’s unique success lies in the significant attention devoted to its ensemble cast. Each character is brought to life through the gradual unfurling of relationships, avoiding tired dramatic tropes in favor of natural and well-paced dialogue that deepens connections with every line. Despite occasional melodrama, emotional resonance permeates through the breath of characters, yet the show is not lost within character development and maintains a cohesive narrative anchored by Mitsumi’s experiences. Each character arc unfolds in tandem with Mitsumi’s evolving relationship, transforming the audience from mere spectators to active participants in the show’s emotional journey.

Mitsumi herself is a compelling protagonist, embodying the conflict between the simplicity of rural life and the complexities of urban Tokyo. Her navigation through new interactions, motivation, and unfamiliar larger group dynamics incites internal turmoil, but she rejects the need to adopt a new persona. Instead, she champions core traditional values of sincerity, honesty, and optimism, profoundly impacting the show’s modern characters and audience.

Complementing the show’s impressive character dynamics is a simple yet purposeful production. Scenes share an even pastel color, reflecting each moment’s emotional tone without artificial exaggeration. Conversely, the art and humor are often cartoony, serving as visual representations of the script’s casual dialogue and Mitsumi’s cheery personality.

From its beautiful character development to its thoughtful production, Skip and Loafer masterfully captures life’s periods of change. The show is a triumphant accomplishment in genuine story writing, one which fosters deep, palpable, and relatable emotions, and unequivocally earns it the title of anime of the year.

Rating: 9.5/10 (8.13 MAL)