Crunchyroll News Staff Picks Their Favorite Anime of the Year
As another year comes to a close, it’s time for everyone to quit second-guessing themselves and resolve… to an anime of the year! The Crunchyroll News team has decided to pick their top anime of 2022 even though you won’t be receiving any final rankings from us. As we get ready for another jam-packed season, it would be a good idea to take a minute to consider the programmes that made this year’s terrific for anime.
NOTE: These are listed in title alphabetical order, just like our favourite games! FEATURE: Crunchyroll News Staff Picks Their Favorite Anime of the Year 2023.
Hakarenai Aharen-san
A pleasant and reliable comedy series provided a wonderful diversion from the pressures of 2022 after a difficult year. I’m voting for Aharen-san wa Hakarenai as my favourite anime of 2022 because it offers true character development and razor-sharp comedy timing. FEATURE: Crunchyroll News Staff Picks Their Favorite Anime of the Year 2023.
Paul Thomas Chapman is a contributing author in English.
Chainsaw Man, Pop Team Epic Season 2, I’M KODAMA KAWASHIRI, SABIKUI BISCO, and The Demon Girl Next Door Season 2 are all deserving consideration.
Part 2 of Attack on Titan’s last season
The Dawn of Humanity and the Two Brothers. Must I say more?
- Senior Editorial Manager Kristine Don
Honorable mentions include Kotaro Lives Alone, Komi Can’t Communicate, My Dress Up-Darling, SPY x FAMILY, and Chainsaw Man.
This anime is full of surprises and never fails to keep viewers interested. The soundtrack is flawless; it enhances the anime’s narrative and speaks straight to the hearts of its viewers. Both the beginning and the conclusion are excellent. I’m eager to see the series’ actual conclusion and watch how the many threads of the story come together.
- Editor for IT, Francesco Ventura
Exceptional mentions Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Entertainment District Arc, Chainsaw Man
The Golf Girls’ Story: BIRDIE WING
Sports anime are my favourite genre, but I really like them when they are ridiculously over-the-top and the stakes are sky-high. In BIRDIE WING -Golf Girls’ Story, two girls who are smitten with one another also happen to have almost superhuman golfing skills. The Golf or Die animation of the year would result from adding some mafia intrigue.
- EN News Editor Joseph Luster, Sr.
Chainsaw Man, My Dress-Up Darling, and others are deserving of notice. BISCO SABIKUI, The Witch from Mercury, a mobile suit Part 2 of Attack on Titan’s last season Ranking of Mob Psycho 100 III, Kings Cour 2, and SPY x FAMILY. FEATURE: Crunchyroll News Staff Picks Their Favorite Anime of the Year 2023.
Dial the Night
If Call of the Night somehow managed to effectively reflect on the times and places we occupy as well, it wouldn’t be wholly incorrect to describe it as having “no thoughts, only vibes.” It may not be the most stunning film of the year, but it is my undeniable favourite in terms of visual appeal and entertainment value. It is pure gremlin-fueled fun with a masterful blend of drama, romance, and a fantastic music.
- Senior EN Producer Liam Dempsey
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners is a worthy mention. Love is War -Ultra Romantic-, Ya Boy Kongming!, says Kaguya-sama. The Witch from Mercury, a mobile suit THE ROCK IS BOCCHI!, 2nd season of Pop Team Epic
Mr. Chainsaw
The manga adaptation of Tatsuki Fujimoto by MAPPA is entirely about movies, with titles like Chainsaw Dogs, Chainsaw Fiction, and The Tokyo Chainsaw Massacre. It is a piece of art that integrates a variety of media, including film, music, anime, manga, literature, and more, in addition to anime and manga.
You delve into several levels in the same way that the main characters in Christopher Nolan’s Inception travelled through dreams since the series focuses on the most important components of the art of imagining. By the way, there are several references to this film in the Chainsaw Man hotel episode as well.
- Ru Editor Asya Zabolotskaya
One of the most greatest animes in recent memory! Whoa! Animation, voice acting, narrative, adaption, soundtrack!
- Julio Velez, Editor at Large
SPY x FAMILY, Urusei Yatsura, and My Dress-Up Darling were given honourable mentions.
Love is War by Kaguya-sama: Ultra Romantic
THEY ACTUALLY DID IT. They were successful. The A-1 Pictures team has perfected the craft of romantic suspense, developing this wonderfully family-friendly comedy over the course of three seasons before delivering the biggest darn grin on earth to us all. Kaguya-sama fights back in a year when tentpole shonen shows dominated the talk. And what about me? Definitely a victory. Additionally, having more Ishigami is always a plus.
- Nicholas Friedman, Senior Editorial Manager, EN
Kotaro Lives Alone, BOCCHI THE ROCK!, and other worthy mentions Edgerunners, Lycoris Recoil, and DIY Cyberpunk!! , Kings Cour 2, SPY x FAMILY, and Call of the Night are ranked in order
Mob Psycho 100
The anime series Mob Psycho 100 has always been of the highest calibre. Outstanding animation, endearing characters, and a really moving tale of a youngster attempting to manage his own emotions and development. The final season has everything Mob needs to end on a high note.
Senior Contributing Writer for PT Samir Fraiha
Exceptional mentions BOCCHI THE ROCK, Aoashi, and Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury!
Dress up, my darling
My Outfit With absolutely gorgeous animation and directing, Darling masterfully combines the beauty of the Japanese cosplay movement with an endearing developing love tale to create a compelling weekly watch.
— Daryl Harding, Senior Correspondent for Japan
Honorable mentions include Chainsaw Man, Mob Psycho 100 III, and SPY x FAMILY. Love is War – Ultra Romantic, by Kaguya-sama Pokémon Journeys, Tatami Time Machine Blues, and Suzume
BISOKUI SABIKUI
Sabikui Bisco has relentless, outrageous action that seems like it belongs in an anime. Each character is more ferociously hard-core than the previous, and there are giant rideable crabs and laser-wielding hippos. Why not adore it?
Senior Contributing Writer – EN Kathleen Townsend
SPY x FAMILY and others deserve recognition. Ya Boy Kongming! I’m the Villainess, thus I’m taming the last boss!
Miyano and Sasaki
Sasaki and Miyano is the anime I keep returning to despite the fact that I have a number of absolute favourites this year. With endearing characters and a stunningly true portrayal of the moment you discover you have a crush on someone, it’s like a wonderful, warm embrace when you need one. It’s fantastic how much time is spent letting the characters explore their emotions, and it’s fun to observe the genre-specific winks at the camera moments.
— Senior EN Features Editor Briana Lawrence
Chainsaw Man, SPY x FAMILY, My Hero Academia Season 6, BLUELOCK, and BIRDIE WING -Golf Girls’ Story- are among the honourable mentions. Salaryman’s Club, Dance Dance Danseur, Play It Cool, Guys, and Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury
FAMILY x SPY
Even though SPY x FAMILY was a fantastic manga, the anime adaptation absolutely nails the tone and strategy. The show uses all of its heartwarming charm and goodness to make us care about a family that is ultimately a lie; the moments of happiness that Loid, Yor, and Anya (as well as goodest boy Bond) experience are genuine, but the circumstances are not.
It’s one of the most profoundly moving and potent anime to come out in the past ten years. The level of happiness and familial warmth felt is ultimately built on a frame of tragedy, sadness, and the cost of war.
- Senior Contributing Writer Sean Aitchison
Honorable mentions include Dragon Ball Super: SUPER HERO, SABIKUI BISCO, and Kaguya-sama: Love Is War -Ultra Romantic. My Dress-Up Darling, Romantic Killer, Do It Yourself
The plot of SPY x FAMILY is not only original, but it also features both peaceful and chaotic moments. Each member of this new notion of a family has a secret they are unable to share with the others. Anya is also a full MOOD thanks to her comedy and facial gestures.
- Senior Writer Deanna Nguyen, EN
Exceptional mentions Mr. Chainsaw
It’s like to stating you enjoy chocolate to indicate you like SPY x FAMILY. If you didn’t, it would be incredibly strange. However, this programme just does everything perfectly, taking an already excellent manga to new heights. There have been SO MANY AMAZING anime series this year, but I’m going with the most apparent one. How am I not?
contributor Amlcar Trejo Mosquera, Sr. – ES
Honorable mentions include Kaguya-sama: Love is War -Ultra Romantic-, Yofukashi no Uta, Lycoris Recoil, and Summer Time Rendering.
The quality of anime this year made this a difficult decision. By being the programme to watch when you want to feel joyful, SPY x FAMILY earned my heart. It has funny characters, an engaging story with plenty of action, gorgeous frames, pleasant soundtrack, and will always make you chuckle. It is wholesomeness packed into wonderful animation.
I’d heartily advise it to anybody who is new to anime. BOCCHI THE ROCK is another option I have! If you’re seeking for another healthy anime, you need to watch that one as well.
Manager of editorial SEO Paola Stoncius
BOCCHI THE ROCK is a deserving remark.
Lycoris Recoil, Chainsaw Man
Okay, I’ll say it: I like SPY x FAMILY in all its forms, from the manga to the anime, and I never get tired of discussing and writing about it. With all the makings of a successful series, how could I resist? Most significantly, it maintains the proper ratio of amusement to depth to superb quality. My first exposure to SPY x FAMILY was via the wholesome Tatsuya Endo manga, but when the WIT STUDIO and CloverWorks animation first debuted, I was just like Anya in the pilot episode, who said, “I adore this programme.”
There are many elements that contribute to SPY x FAMILY’s success, including the artistic direction, the intriguing plot, and Anya’s relatable facial expressions (does anyone else get Chibi Maruko-chan vibes?). However, in my opinion, the relationship dynamics between the characters are a major plus because they are the very things that keep them apart. This series has something for everyone, and I have no problem recommending it to anybody. I adore this programme.
Nada Ali, a reporter for AR
Ranking of Kings Cour 2, BLUELOCK, Chainsaw Man, and BOCCHI THE ROCK are all deserving considerations.
MY DRESS-UP DEAR
Since I know many people will pick SPY x FAMILY, I was considering making a different selection, but I couldn’t do that to the Forgers. I’ve been reading the manga for such a long time, and now that Anya, Bond, Yor, and Loid are finally animated, it’s AMAZING. I was so happy after the first episode that I almost started crying. Sincerely, WIT Studio and CloverWorks are doing an outstanding adaptation job with this series.
Editor José Sassi, PT
Pokémon, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stone Ocean, Chainsaw Man, My Dress-Up Darling, and SALARYMAN’S CLUB are among the games that deserve consideration.
It supports this bizarre plot with humour, charm, and people. Who wouldn’t want to be friends with Anya, Yor, or Loid, too?
Muhammad Mir, Sr. Contributing Author: France
Chainsaw Man, BLUELOCK, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stone Ocean, and Do It Yourself!! are all deserving mentions.
My Hero Academia Season 6, Attack on Titan Final Season 2
Action and mystery mix with love and fun for the family. Everyone can find something they enjoy, and the characters are too cute.
- Features Editor Carolyn Burke, EN
Honorable mentions include Chainsaw Man and My Hero Academia. FEATURE: Crunchyroll News Staff Picks Their Favorite Anime of the Year 2023.
Time Rendering for Summer
The mystery plot of Summer Time Rendering is gripping and doesn’t hesitate to get its hands dirty. It featured some of the best-animated battle sequences (and scenes overall) this year, and every episode had me on the edge of my seat. It excelled most with its unfinished tale and superb Japanese voice acting.
- Melanie Höpfler, Editor in Chief
Honorable mentions: My Dress-Up Darling, Shikimori’s Not Just a Cutie, SABIKUI BISCO, The Case Study of Vanitas,
Time Machine Blues by Tatami
The surprise follow-up to The Tatami Galaxy, a sleeper sensation in 2010, continues up exactly where the previous series left off and manages to keep the same degree of levity and narrative complexity. Fans of the first series as well as Night Is Short and Walk On Girl should watch Time Machine Blues to truly complete the cycle with Tomohiko Morimi’s memorable characters as they employ ever more extravagant solutions to address even the most trivial issues. It seems as though no time has passed between either series. Masaaki Yuasa’s replacement as the series’ director, Shingo Natsume, manages to preserve and even improve on Yuasa’s sense of speed and humorous timing, which is a very uncommon accomplishment for a sequel series.
Humberto Saabedra is a contributing author in English.
Honorable honours include Lycoris Recoil, Ranking Of Kings Cour 2, and BIRDIE WING -Golf Girls’ Story.
Did we include any of your favourites? Comment below and let us know!
Reference Sites:
https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/