It’s that time of the early year for me to share my list of best anime for 2023. This list consists of the best of the best of what I’ve watched from last year. Again, note that these are anime that I’ve seen, and so if you have you’re favorites and they aren’t here, it simply means that they aren’t on my viewing list. Spoilers will come so be ready for them…
At number twelve, I have “The Eminence in Shadow”. Technically, there are two cours of this for 2023. One was the continuation of the first season which carried over from 2022. The other was released in the fall of last year. In any case, Cid/Shadow and his harems (yes there are two, actually) had a very entertaining year for Shadow Garden. It’s unsurprising that this is one of the more popular isekai nowadays. As per isekai trope, Cid/Shadow is totally op, and that’s fine for this genre. Me? I prefer my isekai main characters to just be moderately powerful. Nonetheless, this is entertaining enough to make the tail end of my list.
At number eleven, I have “Dr. Stone”. This was an excellent split cour season of Senkuu, and the rest of the Kingdom of Science. I dare say that the third season is just as good as the second. And, if all indications are correct, the next season (last?) might just be even better. The mystery of the petrification ray that affected the world was discovered. Now it’s time to get to the source. But, I’m getting ahead of myself. This third season was a perfect mix of what make this anime so entertaining: science, action, comedy, and mystery. I’ll keep saying it: this is an anime you can use to teach science class. Just don’t let your students do the experiments here without your guidance, if not at all.
At number ten, I have “To Your Eternity”. Ah, Fushi, this was a good season for you. After all the heartache you felt from season one, here in season two you get to fight back. Fushi also finds out that long lost friends can be brought back by his power. I told you there’d be spoilers. Fushi finally puts the Knockers in their place, and he gives his longtime perished friends the second life they deserve. It’s almost like Fushi has some form of Messiah Complex. That is completely true. The end of season two makes me wonder how they can proceed with season three. This was the perfect ending already. I hope the third season will be only better for Fushi.
At number nine, I have “Jobless Reincarnation”. This second season is basically the story of how Rudeus, and Sylphy find each other. Not a lot of action here. More of Rudeus trying to solve his erectile dysfunction. Lo and behold, the cure is Sylphy, a childhood friend, and former student. Let there be no illusion that this is an ecchi anime, but it’s also one of the best fantasy isekai around. I’m hoping that part two of the second season which comes out this year will have all the action missing from the first cour. Still, Rudeus’s challenges are entertaining enough to put him higher on my list than the three anime that came before “Jobless Reincarnation”.
At number eight, I have “Apothecary Diaries”. I have one word for you that makes this anime worth the watch: Maomao. This smart, witty, charming, and pretty main character of this series is the engine that makes this anime roll. It’s historical fiction set in Imperial China. Maomao plays the apothecary/super sleuth within the walls of the Outer Palace. The image above of her is Maomao as she got older. Right now she is in her adolescent stage…maybe? I can’t wait for her to completely bloom into that beauty. Jaws will drop. But, if you don’t have the smarts, you have no chance with her. Take note, Master Jinshi.
At number seven, I have “Pluto”. This is “Astroboy” if you added a bit more layered storytelling, and emotional hooks. You can watch “Astroboy”, and still you’d have a different experience when you watch “Pluto”. ”Astroboy” is a classic. “Pluto” adds to the lore, and makes the original even better. Don’t be mistaken though. “Pluto” can stand on its own. This is the only science fiction anime on my list, and it deserves to be here with around one hour for each of its eight episodes. The irony is transparent: robots that are more human than humans. It also has a lot of modern commentary about war, and discrimination. Heavy topics for an emotionally heavy series. Add the beautiful anime, and it all adds up to this anime’s charm.
At number six, I have “Demon Slayer”. The magnum opus of Ufotable is at the middle of my list with its beautiful animation, and action. This is a straightforward fantasy anime, and it truly lives up to the hype. When “Demon Slayer” ends, it will be a sad day for a lot of anime fans. Be glad it happened. Also, be glad Mitsuri didn’t get married. Otherwise, we wouldn’t have our beloved Love Hashira. New season is already coming this year so be ready for more of Tanjiro’s adventures.
At number five, I have “Danmachi”. The fourth season was outstanding enough to be my best anime of the winter season of 2023. You can fight me on this: Bell Cranel, and Ryuu Lion belong together. Forget about Ais, Bell. Elves are pretty much in nowadays as you will see further on my list. Besides, you can’t go wrong with choosing Ryuu Lion who has the same seiyuu as Yor Forger. I mean, that has to mean something, right guys? Back me up here.You can’t go wrong with the action, and animation here as well. It really is a headscratcher that J. C. Staff took this long to figure out how to make this series great. Now I’m spoiled. I want MORE.
At number four, I have “Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War“. Studio Pierrot went back to its biggest gun, and considered by many to be one of the big three of modern anime. Funny though that we don’t see a lot of Ichigo in this season. That’s alright because it allowed the other characters to shine. This just shows that “Bleach” is not a one trick pony. Or one Bankai series. Or…you get what I mean. A plus factor is that you even don’t have to review what came before “Thousand-Year Blood War”. Start with these new seasons and you’re good enough to enter Soul Society.
At number three, I have “Oshi No Ko”. The biggest surprise for me this season, all I had going for me was that Ai Hoshino would be voiced by legendary seiyuu Rie Takahashi. That’s it. I mean, Rie couldn’t possibly choose a bad project now, could she? I was crossing my fingers with that thought. Studio Doga Kobo has only come out with one anime that I watched, and that wasn’t really top tier. ”Oshi No Ko” is top tier. The gamble paid off for me. A cross between a reincarnation, and idol anime, “Oshi No Ko” is also a social commentary of the idol/entertainment scene in Japan. The animation is gorgeous, and in spite of some funny moments this is a serious anime. It also has one of the best opening songs for an anime in 2023. Check out “Idol” on Spotify if you don’t believe me.
At number two, I have “Jujutsu Kaizen”. The best anime of studio MAPPA for the year is also a consecutive cour series. I’ve always loved double cour anime. There are fewer and fewer of these that come out lately. That is a bonus for one of the best modern supernatural anime. You get the background of Gojou. You get to see his friendship and falling out with Getou. You get the Shibuya Arc. You get to see the death of…ah-ah that would be telling too much. Watch out already for the third season. With all the action and plot hooks resolved in season two, there are already tugs for what is to come in season three. And yet, there isn’t enough supernatural power for “Jujutsu Kaizen” to be at number one. Well, my number one anime knows how to hide in plain sight…
At number one, I have “Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End”. I suppose there are a lot of people by now who are sick and tired of hearing just how great “Frieren” is. I. DON’T. CARE. If you aren’t watching this master elven mage, and her laid back adventures yet, you are missing out on one of the GREATEST anime of all time. Studio Madhouse has been quiet for a couple of years now. “Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End” puts them back on the competitive map by leaps and bounds. This anime is at the top of my anime list by a mile from its nearest competitor. Sure there was a quiet anticipation. It wasn’t going to be bad. But, I didn’t expect it to be this seminal anime that will be talked about for years to come. And just like Frieren herself, this anime will just look like it blends in the crowd. Don’t be fooled. Behind that nonchalant demeanor is a powerhouse anime that can give you all the magic you need for over a thousand years. After you use that power, you can sleep the entire day to recharge just like Frieren.
So, that’s my list for 2023. Agree with me? Disagree with me? Let me know in the comments. Thank you.
Obskura And Then Some 