Top Anime of 2023
Experience the anime phenomenon of 2023 with Dexerto's top five picks From the thrilling finale of Attack on Titan to the highly anticipated Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2, get ready for laughter, tears, and epic adventures Don't miss out on the unforgettable moments that made this year truly exceptional
The 2023 lineup left us breathless with its exhilarating content! From non-stop laughter to internet-breaking moments, here are the top five anime picks of the year. The anime industry continues to thrive, with beloved series like Jujutsu Kaisen making a comeback and new original shows like Netflix's Pluto hitting the screens. Could 2023 be the best year for anime yet?
2022 set a high standard with incredible series like Chainsaw Man and Spy x Family, alongside the return of industry titans like Bleach, Attack on Titan, and Mob Psycho 100. But 2023 raised the bar even higher, with hit shows breaking the internet. It's been tough to separate the best from the rest, but we've tried. Pokémon took a shocking Ash-less direction, Studio MAPPA courted controversy, and Studio Ghibli's Hayao Miyazaki made a comeback. 2023 is destined for the history books. Now, here are Dexerto's top 5 anime series of 2023.
5. Spy X Family Season 2
WIT Studio
Spy X Family Season 2, hailed as the most anticipated anime of Fall 2023, made history by reaching over two million views within three days of its premiere. With a focus on action and fewer episodes, the humorous escapades of the Forger family have enthralled audiences against the backdrop of espionage and global politics. The new season follows the unconventional family on another thrilling adventure, as master spy Agent Twilight, posing as Loid Forger, continues his mission alongside his assassin wife Yor and their adopted daughter Anya.
With its charismatic characters and clever mix of everyday life and humor, Spy X Family Season 2 was always bound to capture the affection of families – even though its premise centers on a fictitious yet endearing family.
Where to watch: Crunchyroll
4. Vinland Saga Season 2
Studio MAPPA
Vinland Saga started as a Shonen series. But it was soon moved on to the Seinen category after its content became too mature for the young audience.
Season 1 initially struggled to find a large audience on Prime Video, which was not a popular platform for anime fans. However, it was later recognized as an underrated series and picked up by Netflix, where it gained a larger following after being licensed by MAPPA.
The animanga features a beautiful art style and a unique storyline, with the second season following the characters Einar and Thorfinn as they strive for freedom from their troubled past. The growth of the main protagonist is also noteworthy. While the second season starts off slowly with few action scenes, it quickly gains momentum and shows great potential to become a timeless favorite in the world of anime.
Author: Aparna Ukil
Where to watch: Netflix
3. Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End
IMDB
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is an anime with stunning visuals and a heartwarming story. Produced by the renowned animation studio Madhouse, known for Howl’s Moving Castle, Spirited Away, and Death Note, this new series follows an elven mage as she seeks purpose and a fresh start in the aftermath of war. The anime has captivated both manga readers and anime enthusiasts alike with its beautiful artwork and compelling narrative.
Escape to a stunning and captivating world with Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, a refreshing alternative to the gory and dark anime series like Jujutsu Kaisen, Chainsaw Man, and Attack on Titan that have a major fan-following in today's era.
Where to watch: Crunchyroll
2. Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2
Studio MAPPA
In a world terrorized by deadly curses, highly skilled sorcerers from Jujutsu High bear the weight of protecting humanity. The narrative kicks off with Yuji Itadori, a young boy who inadvertently unleashes the most powerful curse by consuming one of its decomposed fingers.
Gege Akutami, the renowned mangaka, is the mastermind behind the series. JJK breaks the mold of typical shonen manga and delivers something much greater. Viewers are in for a spine-tingling experience while watching the anime. Season 1 impressed audiences, but the second season has propelled the series to new heights of popularity.
Jujutsu Kaisen introduces lovable characters such as Gojo, Yuji, Megumi, Nanami, and more. However, newcomers should beware of getting too attached to any of the main characters.
Author: Aparna Ukil
Where to watch: Crunchyroll and Netflix
1. Attack on Titan Finale
Studio MAPPA
Our top anime of the year is no surprise! The final episode of Attack on Titan (Season 4 Part 3) debuted on November 4 and caused a sensation on the internet. Despite controversies and a divisive manga ending, Hajime Isayama’s modern classic got the ending it deserved after a final season that lasted three years.
Studio MAPPA created an epic, feature-length finale that brought the world-ending Rumbling to life with a stunning mix of 2D and 3D animation. Wrapping up 100 episodes of intense action, brutal deaths, and dizzying plot twists was no easy feat, but the final episode delivered, cementing Attack on Titan’s place in history as one of the greatest anime of all time.
Author: Savannah Howard
Where to watch: Crunchyroll
Crunchyroll is the world’s best hub for watching anime – to find out more about how to watch it from anywhere in the world, click here. You can also check out our other 2023 rankings below:
Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z netizen, I am thrilled to see the anime industry continue to thrive and produce exceptional content. The top anime of 2023 have truly left me in awe, with their captivating storylines, stunning visuals, and memorable characters. Spy X Family Season 2 stands out as a standout hit, delivering a perfect blend of action, humor, and heartwarming family moments. The Forger family's adventures have resonated with audiences of all ages, and I can't wait to see what the future holds for this beloved series.
Another anime that caught my attention is Vinland Saga Season 2. The show's transition from a Shonen series to a Seinen category reflects its mature and thought-provoking themes. The character development of Einar and Thorfinn is particularly noteworthy, as they navigate their troubled past and strive for freedom. While the second season starts slowly, it quickly picks up the pace and has the potential to become a timeless classic in the anime world.
