best year of animation

Key Takeaways

• 2015 was notable for the introduction of Saitama in One Punch Man, cementing the anime's mainstream status.
• 2009 established itself as one of the genre's best years, producing iconic shonen titles like Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood.
• 2019 was an outstanding year, with hits like Demon Slayer attracting new fans and providing a variety of gems for all viewers.

Animation began to receive worldwide attention in the 90s when shows such as Pokemon and Digimon became famous. Today, animation is one of Japan's biggest cultural exports, and there were some truly special shows back in the day.

However, certain years stand out more than others, and some shows released in those years actually solidified animation as the force it is today. Naturally, this can be considered a subjective topic. Because some may not agree with what others are saying. “The best year for animation” But some are arguably better than others.

10 2015

The Year of Saitama's Rise

Today, animation is as mainstream as anything, but the 2010s were very instrumental in this change, with 2015 being one of the most influential years. For those who were already die-hard fans, 2015 brought: One Punch Man. The show's first season, which parodied the idea of ​​overpowering protagonists and heroes, was a huge hit.

But that wasn't everything. Isekai fans overloadHe debuted that year. There was a philosophical rich man. death paradeThe greatest cooking show ever, Food war!And for romance fans, my love story He debuted that year as well. 2015 was a year full of gems, and it still remains one of the periods with the best releases.

9 2009

Producing some of the best boys of all time in 2009

Shonen is probably the most well-known anime genre and the one most associated with animation. That's why good boys should always be recognized and praised. 2009 is an incredible example of one of the genre's best years, in that it was a time when fans consistently got the iconic boy.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood It was released that year and was the highest-rated anime of all time on fan site MyAnimeList until 2024. So as not to fall behind, fairy tail He debuted that year as well. Sure, there are people who hate this show, but no one can argue that it's an iconic show. inuyasha It also first aired that year and is considered essential viewing for most anime fans. Other notable titles include: pandora heart and from me to you.

8 2019

The best year of the modern era

There are usually shows that attract anime fans. It was like that once narutoThen attack on titan It attracted a new wave. But there hasn't been a better year for new fans in recent memory than 2019. demon slayer It was first broadcast this year and gained great popularity. It's my first movie, Mugen TrainIt became the most successful animated film of all time.

But many people may forget that this was the year. Vinland Saga It first came out and Thorfinn was first introduced to the world. It was also the year of the remake. by road Released and controversial first season Shield Hero It also came out. There were also some underrated gems, such as: carol and tuesday and immortal sword.

7 1988

A Year of Hit Animated Movies

In addition to the regular animated serials that fans see every year, there are also some truly outstanding films in the animation field. !988 was the year of the greatest classics. AkiraTo this day, the film is often referenced in popular media.

It was also the year that the devastating World War II broke out. grave of firefliesAnd my heart feels lighter. My Neighbor Totoro. That doesn't mean there weren't some great series that year. Legend of Galactic Heroes Niche yet classic crying freeman Released.

6 2007

Year of the Trigger Masterpiece

Studio Trigger is known for its excellent mecha animation and spectacular combat. They could be said to have firmly established themselves at the center of anime culture with their critically acclaimed release in 2007. Guren Lagann. This bombastic action show is still considered a must-watch for all mecha fans and potential mecha fans.

Also notable was the release of Odyssey, which consisted of over 500 episodes. Naruto: Shippuden. Plus there was something infamous about it. claymoreIt ended at the most uncomfortable point and I haven't been back since. There were some parts that were underestimated. darker than blackClassic yet confusing Baccanoand visually striking mononoke.

5 2014

It was a strong year for animation in almost every genre.

The 2010s were an amazing decade for animation, and following an incredible 2013, 2014 brought us some great classics. Perhaps the most notable was the release of the thriller. tokyo ghoul. The story of Ken Kaneki and how he became a blood-sucking monster captured the imagination of many at the time and was one of the most memorable shows of the year. Other blockbusters April is your lieA tearjerker that still gives people goosebumps during the month of April; Parasite: MaximAmazing thriller, and harrowing akame ga kill.

There were so many other great shows in so many different genres. noragamiHe was a really cool boy, No games, no life. It captured the imagination of isekai fans. Reverse harem fans Jonah at dawnThere are animation addicts. Fate/Stay Night: Unlimited Blade WorksAnd sports animation fans Haikyuu. 2014 had something truly special for everyone.

4 2012

The birth of isekai

It is false to refer to 2012 as the year Isekai was born. The right thing to do is to say that it was an important year for the subgenre. sword art online Released. Many people look back on the anime with some reservations, but it would be dishonest not to recognize just how influential this anime would be on the isekai subgenre.

But along with that big show, there were several others, including: psychopathThis is an anime that many people still remember as an iconic villain. Also, educated fans will say that this year High School DxD debuted, and the fearful giant other It also attracted attention.

3 2011

The start of a great winning streak

2011-2015 were shining years for anime, but 2011 was the year anime took off, and it did so with none other than one of the greatest shonen series ever made. Hunter × Hunter. Togashi's masterpiece is far from complete, and while that may be disappointing, it does add some value to the incredible story.

This year steins gate, Anohana, destiny/zero, Deadman Wonderland, Puella Magi Madoka Magicaand underrated sket dance. With such a rich lineup, it's no wonder why 2011 is remembered as the year of 2011. The best year in animation history.

2 1998

A year of great heroes

There were many great animated shows in the '90s, but one of the most influential anime ever made debuted in 1998. cowboy bebop. The space west still has Spike, one of animation's greatest protagonists. This year we have another really cool protagonist from Vash. trigun.

It is also worth noting that the year 1998 is 1998. one piece It was first applied to the screen as an OVA, One Piece: Defeat the Pirate Intercrop!. The iconic, never-ending show itself was scheduled to begin in 1999, but the seeds were laid that year.

1 2006

Animation's Defining Year

If 2014 was the year there was animation for everyone, then 2006 was the year many anime fans fell in love with a variety of genres. 2006 introduced two similar yet different protagonists who would become iconic to fans. There was Light Yagami. death note And Lelouch code geass. These two defined the antihero trope that was starting to become more popular in animation.

From action horror in 2006 Hellsing Ultimate Even a romantic feeling Ouran High School Host Club. Another animation that was very popular this year was GintamaIt's probably the comedy show with the most entries in MyAnimeList's top 50. There was also Ergo Proxy, black lagoon, Born again!, Nanaand fate/stay nightfirst item fate series at the time.