It’s been a long year, and one of the bright spots is anime. From Crunchyroll, Hulu, Netflix, and HIDIVE, there were a lot of new series and new seasons that made distilling it down to the top 25 anime of 2023 an especially hard task for our anime section.
To wrap up a year of anime, we asked the But Why Tho? writing staff and editors to rank their top anime of 2023. Taking the rankings and the number of times that the anime appeared across the list, we came up with our top 25 anime across genre and platform 2023. So, settle in and check out our Top Anime of 2023 below:
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25. Attack on Titan: Final Season THE FINAL CHAPTERS
Studio: MAPPA
“Attack on Titan: The Final Season THE FINAL CHAPTERS Special 2 represents the series at its peak. The exceptional animation, voice acting, and character development, combined with exploring central themes and storytelling, make it an immersive and thought-provoking experience. Despite the waiting period, I still think this could have been a movie instead of two specials. The special’s quality and storytelling leave an indelible mark on dedicated fans and newcomers to the series, making it a memorable journey.” — LaNeysha Campbell
24. Heavenly Delusion
Studio: Production I.G..
“Heavenly Delusion Season 1, from the opening notes of BiSH’s OP to the introductions of our main characters, the continued exploration of a society’s fallout in response to worldwide annihilation, produces unnerving, invigorating, and stylized frames of superb animation. Possessing some of the finest animation of the year so far, Heavenly Delusion manages to deliver on a familiar premise with something delightfully, horrifyingly new.” — Allyson Johnson
23. Dr. STONE: New World
Studio: TMS Entertainment
“Dr. STONE: New World expands the existing universe while reaching new emotional heights as Senku and co. set out on a new adventure. With the best, most formidable villain the series has had yet, along with strong moments of action between the ensemble, the show continues to elevate its simplistic animation with smart writing that maintains a strong balance of humor and heart. But it’s the emotional pull of the season that offers the biggest surprises as we learn of major sacrifices Senku’s father made for his son while seeing other characters, such as Ginro and Kohaku, step up for moments of real heroics. With its quick gags, broad humor, and heavy-lined art, the series pulls the rug out from under us by making us care about these heightened characters and their seemingly impossible journeys as they try to revive the world and bring back modern civilization.” — Allyson Johnson
22. NieR Automata Ver 1.1a
Studio: A-1 Pictures
“I can say I’m thoroughly thrilled with how the NieR Automata anime adaptation has gone so far. With video game adaptations increasing in popularity, we are seeing a rise in quality as studios are investing more in bringing some of our favorite interactive stories to new mediums. While there are several that have been praised for their quality of work, NieR Automata Ver 1.1a is easily the best I’ve gotten to experience. It manages to do so much with the story I love and the characters I treasure in ways that I hoped for, as well as never knew I wanted.” — Charles Hartford
21. One Piece
Studio: Toei Animation
“The One Piece anime reached unprecedented heights this year. Concluding the long-running Wano Country Arc and Luffy vs Kaido fight in a thrilling manner was just the beginning. This year unveiled the premiere of Luffy’s Gear 5 form, pushing the boundaries of the series’ animation style while skillfully bringing some mysteries full circle with impactful revelations.” — LaNeysha Campbell
20. Skip and Loafer
Studio: P.A. Works
“Skip and Loafer Season 1 is formidable due to the tender heart it wears on its sleeve, demonstrative of strong, defining artistry and coherent animation that flows at a patient, immersive pace. The characters themselves are the heart of the series, with Mitsumi, in particular, being a breath of fresh air as far as protagonists go, but the entire series exemplifies the magic that happens when all parties involved are creating art to serve the same purpose and doing so with palpable love and joy over the story they’re telling.” — Allyson Johnson
19. Ooku: The Inner Chambers
Studio: Studio Deen
“This is a historical tale, and with that comes the barriers and vulnerabilities for the characters within it. That’s its strength. Ōoku: The Inner Chambers is the most faithful adaptation of a manga I’ve seen in anime, and it does so while still showcasing what animation as a medium can bring to the story. That said, there are still many chapters left to adapt, with 79 in total, and this series covers less than half. Beautifully adapted and scored in a way that captures the depth of emotion and emphasizes the history, this anime must be watched.” — Kate Sánchez
18. My New Boss is Goofy
Studio: A-1 Pictures
“My New Boss is Goofy showcases the anxiety you carry with you after terrible workplace experiences and how it impacts how you see others. These moments often come with humor afterward, but they’re never ignored or made light of themselves… With a lot of action-forward and fantasy-based anime for this fall season, tune into My New Boss is Goofy. In a time where capitalism is continually grinding us beneath the gears, this slice of life is a piece of media that shows you what is possible and makes you question your own company.” — Kate Sánchez
17. Overtake!
Studio: TROYCA
“Overtake! is a sleeper hit this anime season and does a great job of balancing focus between the sport and the people who make it happen. It is slowly building into one of the more exciting sports anime in recent memory and should hopefully keep the momentum up as it reaches the finish line.” — Kyle Foley
16. Undead Unluck
Studio: David Production
“Undead Unluck… sets the stage for an incredible series full of absurd comedy and beautiful animation. Fuko and Andy are such an unexpected duo, but that helps make their partnership so much easier to root for. As long as the series builds on this excellent season, Undead Unluck could be the best…” — Kyle Foley
15. Undead Murder Farce
Studio: Lapin Track
“With the excellent use of the classics easily catching the eye, it would be easy to overlook the original antagonists of the series. Making up a clandestine organization of monster hunters, this shadowy organization hounds our protagonists and the supernatural beings they interact with throughout the course of the series. Beyond simply wanting to destroy any monsters they come across, the group seems to have some grander scheme in the works, though the details are scarce and hint at larger devs to come should the series get a second season… Undead Murder Farce Season 1 delivers mystery, action, and fun as it follows its cast across Europe.” — Charles Hartford
14. Link Click Season 2
Studio: LAN Studio
“LINK CLICK Season 2 expands on an interesting premise and never lets its foot off the gas. There are countless breathtaking moments in a season where the intensity and the emotion never let up. Cliffhanger after cliffhanger keeps viewers coming back for more, and things are set up perfectly for a third season that promises to deliver just as well as the first two.” — Kyle Foley (yes, this is a donghua, but c’mon, it deserves to be on the list)
13. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba — Swordsmith Village Arc
Studio: Ufotable
“Demon Slayer Season 3 started off strong and ultimately ended on an emotional high that made it all worth it. There are some truly breathtaking moments presented by ufotable that make the epic battles and heartbreaking emotional moments hit exponentially harder. If the pacing had been tightened up throughout it would have been near perfect, but that does not stop it from being more than worth the ride.” — Kyle Foley
12. The Apothecary Diaries
Studio: OLM, TOHO animation STUDIO
“While there’s plenty to praise about The Apothecary Diaries, from its attention to detail in its architectural and costume design, its serene lighting that casts an otherworldly glow, and its strong voice performances, it’s the protagonist that makes it special. Maomao, a girl ripped from her ordinary life only to become a servant in the Imperial Palace, is a genuine delight and a refreshing contrast to so many other female protagonists in anime. Her dry wit and unrelenting curiosity in all things poisons make for an engaging, often hilarious watch as she navigates palace life, determined yet failing to keep her head down and out of drama. Come for the many mysteries and political intrigue, but stay for Maomao’s (and Jinshi’s) charisma.” — Allyson Johnson
11. Bleach: Thousand Year Blood War
Studio: Pierrot
“Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War stands out as one of the best anime of 2023 due to its consistent ability to blend immersive visuals, dynamic character interactions, and intricate plot developments. From the foundational episodes building anticipation to the triumphant moments of character growth and unexpected twists, the series keeps fans hooked with a perfect balance of suspense, emotion, and stunning animation. The return of beloved characters, the evolution of powers, and the unpredictable nature of the conflict contribute to the series’ status as a premier shonen anime. The culmination in the final episodes delivers a cinematic climax that exceeds expectations, showcasing powers and tensions unlike anything witnessed before in the franchise, further solidifying Bleach’s triumphant return and its place among the top-tier anime of the year.”
10. Oshi No Ko
Studio: Doga Kobo
“Oshi No Ko is bonkers. It manages to be unsettling, engrossing, and pushes the audience to question our position in the story repeatedly. With probably the best season premiere of every series on this list, this HiDive anime was a hit. The animation was solid, the cliffhangers were well executed, and absolutely absurd melodramatic twists will keep you coming back again and again.” — Kate Sánchez
9. Pluto
Studio: Studio M2
“It’s hardly a stretch to say that Pluto is unlike any other anime released this year. With a beautiful contrast of futuristic settings with classical art details such as Akira-inspired cityscapes, the Netflix series succeeds due to its understanding of how the past can inform the future both in writing and animation. Based on the manga series written and illustrated by Naoki Urasawa, which is based on Osamu Tezuka’s Astro Boy, the series follows a robot detective, Gesicht, as he’s tasked with solving a case of robot and human deaths. Methodically paced but never dull, the series is a philosophical breakdown of the fine, blurred line between human and robot in this noir-inspired murder mystery.” — Allyson Johnson
8. Trigun Stampede
Studio: ORANGE
“While the show’s look was not what I initially expected, the style grew on me quickly. The smooth rigging and fluid animation quickly became a joy for me to experience. But while the combat and danger of the series are delivered with glorious results, the show shines brightest during several dream sequences that occur near the season’s end. These moments show the visual designers truly running wild as they bring moments that are equal parts beauty and creativity. Trigun Stampede delivers a fantastically fresh look at a classic series. Its approach keeps what was at the heart of Vash’s tale whole while exploring lots of new ground. With a sequel series set up in the show’s final moments…” — Charles Hartford.
7. Vinland Saga
Studio: MAPPA
“Vinland Saga Season 2 had a slow build that transitioned the story to focus less on action and more on the character development and endearing redemption arc. Thorfinn’s evolution from a revenge-driven killer to a remorseful pacifist is stark, but satisfying to see his growth. The animation of the landscapes and action in Vinland Saga remains unmatched.”
6. Summer Time Rendering
Studio: OLM
“This drip-feed approach to secrets and reveals always kept me captivated with the series amazingly intricate plot and characters. However, I can also see where it will be a barrier for some. Rather than simply establishing a broad strokes science fiction concept early and then running with it, Summer Time Rendering frequently pauses to explain the new layers or twists to how things are progressing. If you struggle with high-concept science fiction like Godzilla: Singular Point, the intricate nature of this series’ science fiction aspects may make it a struggle for you.” —Charles Hartford
5. Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch From Mercury
Studio: Sunrise
“Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch From Mercury is a magnificent series that manages to break the hearts of viewers over and over again while also fighting hard to give hope. Authentic characters and deep themes all work alongside beautiful animation and a moving musical score to create a Mobile Suit Gundam series that will stick in the hearts and minds of viewers long after watching it.” — Kyle Foley
4. Buddy Daddies
Studio: P.A. Works
“Buddy Daddies has the best-found family in anime. By investing time to build emotional depth and dynamic characters while using every family trope imaginable to pull on your heartstrings and delivering intense action simultaneously, Buddy Daddies is the best anime of the Winter 2023 Season.” — Kate Sánchez
3. Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End
Studio: Madhouse
“Fantastic animation, nuanced characters, and a gorgeous musical score are just the highlights of what makes this anime great. Couple these elements with excellent world-building and an intriguing take on magic, and you have a formula for an anime-of-the-year contender. — Charles Hartford
2. Zom 100
Studio: BUG FILMS
“Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead Episode 1 is the perfect adaptation of the opening of the manga. The extra time spent learning about Akira’s work life and the animation choices and use of color makes the anime essential for fans of the existing work. While the manga is great, the way that BUG FILMS has visually captured Akira’s sorrow and joy is perfection. In fact, it adds a new layer to the story.” — Kate Sánchez
1. Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2
Studio: MAPPA
“Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 has pushed the limits on what is capable in animation. Delivering epic action sequences and devastating emotional blows, it is one of the strongest arcs from Gege Akutami’s writing, and it is now MAPPA’s defining achievement. As gorgeous as it is heartbreaking, the two cours have built on characters, built intimate connections, and then shattered them with gravitas. A series rarely excels without its protagonist at its center, but this one does it. Animation as a medium is not here to box out manga, but Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 proves that it can enhance source material while becoming something all its own. This season hurts in the best ways.” — Kate Sánchez
With so many strong titles in the anime world right now, here are a few of the honorable mentions that just missed the list: My Happy Marriage, Shangri-La Frontier, and Bungo Stary Dogs. Did your favorites make the Top Anime of 2023 list? Did we leave one off? Let us know on social media @butwhythopc.
Synopses for the Top Anime of 2023 list were taken from our previously written reviews or our writers.
