Top 10 Mind-Blowing Anime Sequel Seasons That Redefined Greatness

Anime sequel series are always complex, both for fans and studios. Sequels, especially those of highly regarded shows, carry the weight of fulfilling expectations and satisfying fans who are already invested in the story. Additionally, each fan may have their own specific reasons for enjoying the show, making the success of a sequel unpredictable.

Some anime sequels end up being disappointing, either because they fail to capture what made the original great or because they don't provide a logical continuation for the viewers. However, there are also occasions when anime sequels are executed so well that they even enhance the original, significantly improving the overall impression left by the show.

10 Black Butler: Book of Circus

9 Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Entertainment District Arc

The narrative of Black Butler unfolds in Victorian England, revolving around the central character Ciel Phantomhive. Seeking retribution against his wrongdoers, Ciel forms a pact with the eponymous butler and demon, Sebastian Michaelis. Consequently, he takes charge of the clandestine undertakings under the Queen's domain. The series' distinct historical backdrop and captivating cast of characters have captivated enthusiasts, elevating it to the status of a cult classic. Nevertheless, the reception and popularity of the series have experienced fluctuations over time. Notably, a lackluster sequel that deviated too far from the original narrative had a detrimental impact on its reputation. However, it was the season known as Book of Circus that revitalized the franchise's fortunes. This particular season not only impeccably stayed true to its source material but also laid the groundwork for two outstanding subsequent installments.

Tanjiro Kamado, the central character in Demon Slayer, embarks on a tragic journey. His life takes a devastating turn when he returns home one day to find his entire family brutally murdered, except for his sister, who has transformed into a demon. Determined to avenge his family and protect his sister, Tanjiro makes a solemn vow. While the series has consistently enthralled viewers, the Entertainment District Arc stands out as its most exceptional season yet. This arc builds upon the elements that fans adored in previous storylines, elevating them to a whole new level. With its captivating narrative, adrenaline-fueled battles filled with unexpected twists, unforgettable moments, and unparalleled animation, this season truly has it all.

8 Mob Psycho 100 II

Mob Psycho 100 centers around a young student named Shigeo Kageyama, also known as "Mob," who strives for a normal life despite possessing extraordinary psychic abilities. Unfortunately, Mob has a tendency to find himself in troublesome situations much to his chagrin. Although the first season of the series effectively introduces its characters and universe, the subsequent seasons are generally regarded as superior, with the second season in particular being hailed as the pinnacle. This is largely due to its remarkable animation and art style, captivating opening song, impeccable character development, and inclusion of iconic moments like the showdown with Shibazaki. It's no wonder that Mob Psycho 100 is a beloved series among fans.

7 A Certain Scientific Railgun S

A Certain Scientific Railgun, a side story of A Certain Magical Index, is widely considered to be superior to its parent story's adaptation. Among fans, the second season stands out as a favorite. The series is set in Academy City, a bustling metropolis filled with students, where powerful esper Mikoto Misaka and her friends find themselves caught up in various mysterious incidents involving psychic powers. The second season, known as the "S season," is particularly praised for its dark and captivating tone. It also gained acclaim for introducing the Sisters arc, which is regarded as one of the most original anime storylines to date.

6 Fruits Basket: The Final Season

Fruits Basket is a compelling story that revolves around Tohru Honda, a resilient and hopeful girl who tragically loses her mother and is left all alone. With no place to call home, she decides to live in a tent, until one of her classmates discovers her situation and offers her a place to stay. However, the Sohma family holds a peculiar secret - they are afflicted by a curse that causes them to transform into animals from the Chinese zodiac. Each season of this series has its own significance, but it is widely acclaimed that the finale is the highlight, as it brings this iconic tale of love and drama to a satisfying conclusion.

5 Attack on Titan Season 3 Part 2

Attack on Titan, a series that was immediately hailed as a masterpiece by its devoted fanbase and only grew in popularity as it progressed, encompasses a captivating narrative woven through various story arcs. The exceptional quality and consistently remarkable production value make it subjective for viewers to choose the finest segment of the series. Nevertheless, few can deny the monumental impact of Season 3 Part 2, specifically the Battle of Shinganshina arc, which takes center stage. This arc stands out as one of the most engrossing and visually stunning chapters of the saga, skillfully blending ingenious tactics with high-stakes action to deliver an exceptionally remarkable experience.

4 Kaguya-sama: Love is War - Ultra Romantic

Kaguya-sama: Love is War is an anime that revolves around Kaguya Shinomiya and Miyuki Shirogane, two exceptionally intelligent students who jointly lead the student council at the esteemed Shuchiin Academy. Despite their mutual affection, both of them refuse to confess their love due to their own pride, resulting in a perpetual competition to make the other person crack first. The series is highly regarded for its consistently impressive animation, intriguing characters, humorous scenarios, and captivating soundtrack. However, the pinnacle of its success comes in the form of its third season, Ultra Romantic, which features some of the most remarkable and unforgettable moments to date, showcasing the show's continuous improvement and evolution.

3 Clannad: After Story

Tomoya Okazaki, a troubled delinquent, has grown disinterested in his surroundings due to his troubled family life. However, his mundane existence takes a significant turn when he crosses paths with Nagisa Furukawa. Through his interactions with Nagisa and their fellow classmates, he not only gains insight into their personal struggles but also discovers hidden truths about himself. While the initial series portrays its world and characters effectively, its sequel, Clannad: After Story, stands out with its more focused scope. Acting as a solid foundation, the original pales in comparison to the emotional and acclaimed narrative presented in After Story, making it one of the finest anime stories to date.

2 Assassination Classroom Second Season

Assassination Classroom centers on Class 3-E, a group of unruly students and failures who are unexpectedly assigned a new instructor and a mission - to eliminate him. Koro-sensei is no ordinary teacher; aside from possessing extraordinary agility, endurance, and power, he is also a peculiar octopus-like creature rumored to have annihilated a portion of the moon and now poses a threat to Earth. This series offers a delightful experience throughout, presenting not only top-notch action and comedic moments, but also remarkably well-developed, multi-dimensional characters. However, the second season is generally regarded as superior to the first, as it builds upon its foundations and surpasses it in every aspect.

1 Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War

As one of Shounen Jump's renowned Big Three, Bleach is widely considered to be one of the most influential anime series to date. The initial storyline focuses on protagonists Ichigo Kurosaki and Kuchiki Rukia as they become involved in the world of Hollows and Shinigami. However, the series gradually evolves into a more complex and intricate narrative. Released a decade after its predecessor, Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War had high expectations from long-time fans to meet, and it exceeded them flawlessly. Right from the first episode, it is evident that Bleach's modern sequel is poised to surpass the original.

Sequels appear to be a reliable option, as they only need to offer more of what the original series provided. However, determining the exact aspects that made the preceding series enjoyable or the necessary alterations to enhance the formula is not a straightforward endeavor. Despite the immense challenges in surpassing their predecessors, some anime sequel series excelled to the extent that they enhanced the original content through their association.