2023's Top Anime Contenders: The Ultimate Anime of the Year List

2023's Anime of the Year is a highly coveted title, with numerous series vying for the honor. The year proved to be exceptionally fruitful and successful for the industry, with a multitude of both new and established series making a significant impact on the fandom.

To determine the Anime of the Year for 2023, considerations such as general reception, animation quality, storytelling, and overall consistency must be taken into account. With those criteria in mind, here are the top ten contenders for the prestigious title of 2023's Anime of the Year.

Disclaimer: This list may contain opinions of the writer and are ranked in no particular order.

10 candidates for anime of the year 2023

1) Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War

In 2023, Bleach emerged as a strong contender for anime of the year (Image via Studio Pierrot).

The triumphant return of Bleach in 2022, with Studio Pierrot adapting the final arc of Tite Kubo's manga, Thousand-Year Blood War, sparked tremendous excitement. While the first cour received a great reaction, many argue that the second cour was even better. The first cour was highly anticipated due to Bleach's long-awaited return to the anime medium, but the second cour introduced much-needed new material.

The addition of new scenes and fan-favorite moments in the second cour, such as the flashback between Ichibei and Yhwach, Rukia's Bankai, and Zaraki Kenpachi's Shikai, along with the surprising inclusion of Senjumaru's Bankai and a much-improved Division 0 performance against Yhwach's elite guard, makes the anime a strong contender for anime of the year in 2023.

2) Dr. Stone

A hidden treasure (Image via TMS Entertainment).

Dr. Stone should definitely be considered for anime of the year 2023 due to its underrated status and remarkable consistency throughout the years. The current season has delved into the New World arc, bringing fresh depth to the story, making it an enjoyable watch.

Perhaps Dr. Stone lacks mainstream recognition because it deviates from the typical shonen formula by prioritizing science, experimentation, and diverse approaches over traditional battle-focused storytelling.

3) Jujutsu Kaisen

An exceptionally strong contender for anime of the year 2023 (Image via MAPPA).

It's safe to say that many enthusiasts of the genre consider Jujutsu Kaisen to be the frontrunner for anime of the year 2023, and there are compelling reasons for that. Despite the controversies surrounding its staff, MAPPA has delivered an outstanding animated series with this franchise. The show's success and overwhelmingly positive reception speak volumes about its quality.

4) Demon Slayer

The initial five episodes delved into Satoru Gojo's backstory, while the majority of the second season revolved around the Shibuya Incident arc, widely acclaimed as the series' pinnacle. Key moments like the demise of Nanami and Nobara, Sukuan's battle with Jogo, Mahoraga's debut, and numerous others solidify Jujutsu Kaisen as a top contender for anime of the year 2023.

Surprisingly, an underrated candidate (Image via Ufotable).

It's difficult to imagine a time when Demon Slayer anime didn't receive much hype. However, the third season faced this challenge, largely due to the Swordsmith Village arc not being very thrilling or innovative for the plot. Nevertheless, Ufotable has once again worked wonders with this series and has elevated many battles to a higher level, as evidenced by this season.

Ufotable's anime for the year 2023 may be overlooked, but it still manages to deliver some truly remarkable moments. For example, Tanjiro's Sun Breathing with the image of Yoriichi or Mitsuri's fight against the fourth Upper Moon are standout scenes. While it may not take the top spot in this discussion, it definitely deserves to be considered among the top candidates.

5) One Piece

One Piece is once again a strong contender for anime of the year in 2023, thanks to Toei Animation's improvements in the animation quality, particularly seen in the Wano arc. This year marked a peak for the series, with standout moments like Luffy's Gear 5 debut sparking heated discussions among fans.

In regard to the element of the Gear 5 adaptation, One Piece should definitely be included in this discussion. However, there were several moments that elevated the uneven arc like Wano. Therefore, in terms of what an anime should do, this work made by Toei deserves a lot of praise.

6) Attack on Titan

A prominent contender in this debate (Image via MAPPA).

There is no question that Attack on Titan was destined to be one of the top choices for anime of the year 2023. The series not only boasts a massive following, but it also marked the conclusion of the anime, generating a significant amount of anticipation and enthusiasm for its release. While opinions on the conclusion remain polarizing, there is no denying that MAPPA delivered a commendable adaptation of the source material.

The resolution of the Rumbling, the fate of the Eldians, Eren's choices, and Mikasa's decision to end Eren's life all contribute to the impact of this anime, making it a strong contender for the top spot on numerous 2023 anime lists.

7) Frieren: Beyond Journey's End

Madhouse's unexpected challenger (Image via Madhouse).

During the mid-2000s, Madhouse was the dominant studio responsible for producing some of the best anime of all time. It is always a pleasure to see them back in the spotlight for their outstanding work. Frieren is perhaps the most unexpected contender for the anime of the year 2023, but every distinguished award deserves an underdog, and this anime takes viewers on an emotional journey about the value of time and growing older.

Frieren, the title character of the series, is the protagonist, an elven mage who once saved the world with her group of friends fifteen years ago. Due to her long elf lifespan, fifteen years feels like just a couple of weeks to her. When she finally reunites with her friends, she finds them much older, and one has even passed away from old age, leaving her with feelings of regret for not spending more time with him.

The series serves as an emotional exploration of friendship and the passage of time, and has pleasantly surprised many anime fans.

8) Shangri-La Frontier

Another unexpected candidate (Image via C2C).

At the time of writing, Shangri-La Frontier only has 10 episodes available, but it has already left a strong impression. While many have grown weary of isekai series, this anime puts a fresh twist on the classic formula and C2C Studio has delivered exceptional animation, voice acting, colors, and visuals.

Rakuro Hizutome, also known as Sunraku in the gaming world, is an expert "trash game hunter" who excels at playing virtual reality games filled with glitches. Seeking a challenge, Rakuro decides to try his hand at Shangri-La Frontier, a widely acclaimed masterpiece of a game.

Sunraku leverages the knowledge and expertise acquired from previous games to navigate this new challenge, despite encountering occasional learning curves. The series is consistently enjoyable, sprinkled with lighthearted moments, and explores the inherent human desire for challenge. While it may not be a contender for anime of the year 2023, it certainly merits greater recognition.

9) Pluto

Renowned as a storytelling masterpiece, Naoki Urasawa's work has solidified his position as one of the greatest manga authors of all time. His notable works, such as 20th Century Boys and Monster, have garnered widespread acclaim. However, Pluto stands on equal ground with these masterpieces. Recently, Studio M2 and Netflix launched an eight-episode anime adaptation that does justice to the exceptional source material.

The anime is a modern reimagining of Astro Boy's iconic "The Greatest Robot on Earth" storyline, with the series named after the villain from that arc. It follows the detective Gesicht as he investigates a string of mysterious deaths involving humans and robots. With suspenseful storytelling and spectacular moments, this anime stands as a prime example of the medium's potential at its peak. It is undoubtedly one of the standout anime of 2023.

10) Vinland Saga

A major candidate for anime of the year 2023 (Image via MAPPA).

The year 2023 anime lineup wouldn't be complete without the second season of Vinland Saga, showcasing the exceptional quality of this series. Thorfinn's transformation from a vengeful and angry young man to a more serene and peaceful individual is truly captivating. This season is more character-driven than action-focused, which received some criticism, but overall, it is widely regarded as one of the best anime of 2023.

Final thoughts

The top anime of 2023 will undoubtedly spark debate among fans, but one thing is certain – it has been a highly successful year for the industry. Numerous outstanding anime, including ones not mentioned here, have truly shone and deserve significant attention and acclaim.

Editor's P/S

As a passionate anime fan, I am thrilled to see such an exciting lineup of contenders for the title of Anime of the Year 2023. The return of Bleach with its highly anticipated Thousand-Year Blood War arc has been a major highlight, delivering intense battles and emotional moments that have captivated fans. The consistency and underrated nature of Dr. Stone make it a hidden gem that deserves more recognition for its unique blend of science and storytelling.

Jujutsu Kaisen's second season has undoubtedly solidified its position as a frontrunner, with MAPPA's exceptional animation and the Shibuya Incident arc providing some of the most memorable moments in recent anime history. While Demon Slayer may not have lived up to the hype of its previous seasons, Ufotable's stunning visuals and standout battles still make it a worthy contender. Overall, it's an exciting time to be an anime fan, and I can't wait to see which series ultimately takes home the prestigious title of Anime of the Year 2023.