The Ultimate Ranking of Summer 2023's Hottest Anime Releases!
Experience the best of Summer 2023's anime with thrilling action, captivating storytelling, and heartwarming romances From the highly anticipated Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 to the charming Horimiya: The Missing Pieces, these standout shows will leave you wanting more
The Summer 2023 anime season is currently in progress and offers a diverse selection of both new and returning series. With over 40 shows spanning various genres and target audiences, this quarter boasts a wide range of options. From action, romance, and slice of life, to isekai, adventure, comedy, and even horror, this season's lineup offers an exceptional variety that is sure to please any viewer.
However, with such a large number of shows airing, it can be challenging to decide which ones to prioritize, especially when dealing with lesser-known titles. To simplify the selection process and provide a starting point, let's explore the top Summer 2023 anime.
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The selection will receive regular updates throughout the season. To be considered, episodes must have aired by July 7, 2023.
Only anime that premiered in Summer 2023 will be taken into account; therefore, ongoing shows like One Piece or Edens Zero Season 2 will be excluded.
6 Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan
| Japanese Title | Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan |
|---|---|
| Studio | LIDENFILMS |
| Genre | Action |
| Where to Stream |
The 2023 rendition of Rurouni Kenshin appears poised to retell the timeless tale that was previously explored in the '90s series. While the original version may show signs of age in certain aspects, it remains steadfast when it comes to faithfully bringing the manga to life. Its only real drawback emerges during an extended run of fill-in episodes, which ultimately contributed to the cancellation of the show.
5 Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation Season 2
Despite the fact that the Summer 2023 season will essentially retell the story from the beginning and cover similar content to its predecessor, it currently appears somewhat unnecessary. Nonetheless, the series commenced with a compelling first episode that reintroduces the world to the captivating and enduring characters of Kenshin and Kaoru.
| Japanese Title | Mushoku Tensei II: Isekai Ittara Honki Dasu |
|---|---|
| Studio | Studio Bind |
| Genre | Fantasy, Isekai |
| Where to Stream |
With the exception of one shonen anime, Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation Season 2 is the most anticipated sequel of the Summer 2023 season. Renowned for its intricate world-building and character development, Mushoku Tensei is rightfully considered one of the most influential isekai light novels of all time. The anime adaptation has flawlessly captured the essence of the source material. However, it should be noted that the series does have some significant low points that could potentially deter viewers. Thankfully, these moments have become increasingly scarce since the story took a darker turn in the middle of season 1.
The new season commenced with a special episode that focused on Sylphiette's whereabouts following the Teleport Incident, which caused mass displacement of populations. Although technically not part of season 2, this episode is a must-watch as it introduces Princess Ariel, a character who appears to be poised to play a crucial role in Mushoku Tensei's political landscape. More importantly, this chapter is simply outstanding.
4 Undead Murder Farce
| Japanese Title | Undead Girl Murder Farce |
|---|---|
| Studio | Lapin Track |
| Genre | Mystery, Supernatural |
| Where to Stream |
Undead Murder Farce, with its macabre, gruesome, and stylish elements, makes a captivating first impression. However, it does require a substantial amount of exposition to fully appreciate. It takes place in an alternate version of the Meiji era where humans coexist with monsters. These monsters are employed by a malevolent traveling circus. Among the performers is Tsugaru Shinuchi, a unique individual who is half-oni and half-human. He possesses the power to entertain the depraved spectators by slaying demons. One fateful day, he encounters Aya Rindo, an immortal woman whose existence has been reduced to a mere talking head. Together, they establish a mutually beneficial alliance and embark on a quest to uncover the person responsible for their unfortunate circumstances.
3 My Happy Marriage
Alongside an impressive action sequence featuring Tsugaru and Aya's maid, Undead Murder Farce dedicates the majority of its debut episode to establishing the backgrounds of the main characters, while also adding in a hint of world-building. Even though it is still early on, this anime has immense potential to become one of the most entertaining shows of Summer 2023. Tsugaru and Aya not only possess captivating charisma, but they also possess unique motives and personalities that set them apart.
| Japanese Title | Watashi no Shiawase na Kekkon |
|---|---|
| Studio | Kinema Citrus |
| Genre | Romance |
| Where to Stream |
Summer 2023 may not have as many romantic options as the previous season, but it still offers an above-average selection. One of the most promising new romance series is My Happy Marriage, which had already gained attention even before the start of Summer. Its first episode only solidified its potential, proving that the anticipation was well-deserved. Based on Akumi Agitogi's popular novel series, which has already been adapted into a light novel and manga, the story takes place in the 19th century and focuses on the arranged marriage between Miyo Saimori and Kiyoka Kudou.
Though both come from affluent backgrounds, Miyo's life has been difficult ever since her father remarried, while Kiyoka has earned a reputation for scaring away potential suitors due to his militaristic tendencies. My Happy Marriage wastes no time in establishing Miyo as a sympathetic character, devoting a significant portion of the opening episode to showcasing her challenging home life. While there may be elements of manipulation, these scenes offer valuable insight into Miyo's struggles with self-esteem and her tendency to give up easily.
2 Horimiya: The Missing Pieces
| Japanese Title | Horimiya: Piece |
|---|---|
| Studio | CloverWorks |
| Genre | Romance, Comedy |
| Where to Stream |
The first season of Horimiya managed to captivate the audience by delivering a compelling narrative that left them yearning for more. In order to satiate this craving, The Missing Pieces ventures into uncharted territory by delving into the untapped chapters of the manga that were overlooked in the original season.
As observed in the case of Ranking of Kings: The Treasure Chest of Courage, this type of spin-off is challenging to execute successfully as the additional stories may seem like unnecessary content; however, Horimiya: The Missing Pieces proves to be a success due to the underlying slice of life element present throughout the series. As a result, these episodes merely serve as yet another opportunity for fans to cherish moments with Miyamura, Hori, and the rest of the group.
1 Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2
| Japanese Title | Jujutsu Kaisen 2nd Season |
|---|---|
| Studio | MAPPA |
| Genre | Action, Shonen |
| Where to Stream |
While it's too early to determine a definitive winner, the upcoming Summer 2023 anime holds great anticipation. Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 presents an interesting twist by starting with a flashback set before the events of the original season, focusing on Satoru Gojou's time as a sorcerer during his academic days.
This season of Jujutsu Kaisen skillfully combines action, humor, and plot development, a trademark of the series. If MAPPA stays on track, Season 2 has the potential to cover the manga's most compelling arc, and the progress is promising.
