Anime fans have enjoyed an embarrassment of riches over the last decade; Long-running, beloved franchises like One Piece and Dragonball have continued to thrill fans with new adventures, while the likes of Attack on Titan and Demon Slayer have given us some of the greatest arcs of all time. With so many top tier shows to enjoy on platforms like Crunchyroll, Netflix and Hulu, this streaming guide shows you the 10 must-see anime from the last decade and where to watch them all.
Attack on Titan
Adapted from Hajime Isayama's manga series of the same name, Attack on Titan has been raved about by fans ever since the show debuted in 2013. It centers on a walled-off civilization that must be protected from deadly giants known as Titans. In an effort to keep humanity safe, members of the Survery Corps risk their lives with death-defying encounters with the Titans. Hajime Isayama’s “AoT” is widely considered to be a masterpiece, with a story that unfolds in unpredictable ways and plenty of jaw-dropping moments that will stay with you long after watching. Attack on Titan is also a beloved franchise due to its complex characters and some of the best anime music of all time.
Another great reason to watch Attack on Titan is that the show finally concluded in 2023 – so you can already enjoy the full experience without interruption or painstakingly waiting for a new season. If you’re interested in learning more, check out our guide for how to stream Attack on Titan in order.
Demon Slayer
From creator Koyoharu Gotouge, Demon Slayer tells the story of Tanjiro Kamado, a young boy devoted to avenging his slaughtered family and trying to transform his demon sister, Nuzuko, back into her human form. This shonen anime debuted in 2019 and immediately became a beloved anime all over the world. It is known for its first-class production value (thanks, Ufotable!) and a wide range of interesting and beloved characters. The show has a relatively simple storyline compared to shows like Attack on Titan, but it has everything fans want from a shonen anime.
The franchise’s first film, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba -To the Swordsmith Village, even broke records to become the highest-grossing animated movie of all time in Japan at the time. If you’re wondering how to watch the franchise’s arcs as they were intended to be seen, check out our streaming guide to Demon Slayer in order.
One Piece
As one of the longest-running anime shows of all time, One Piece needs no introduction. It has been ongoing for 25 years and the manga is so popular that its creator, Eiichiro Oda, is now among the top 10 best-selling authors of all time – alongside the likes of William Shakespeare, Agatha Christie and J. K. Rowling.
One Piece tells the story of Monkey D. Luffy and his pirate crew known as the Straw Hat Pirates. Together, they are united in their goal to make Luffy the Pirate King and locate the mysterious treasure known as the ‘One Piece’. While the 1000+ episode-count may be intimidating, watching One Piece is a treasure trove of fun and imaginative adventures – so don’t miss out!
Jujutsu Kaisen
MAPPA’s Jujutsu Kaisen is based on Gege Akutami's manga series of the same name. The show started in 2020 and already has multiple seasons and a prequel movie, Jujutsu Kaisen 0. The show follows Yuji Itadori, a high school student who joins a secret organization of Jujutsu Sorcerers in order to defeat a cursed spirit known as Ryomen Sukuna. “JJK” has a unique power system that helps keep the story engaging, especially if you’re interested in horror and dark fantasy. Like Demon Slayer, this is another modern shonen anime that is really fun to watch and has plenty of iconic moments.
Frieren: Beyond Journey's End
Frieren: Beyond Journey's End tells the profound story of an elf mage who finds a new outlook on life after the death of her friend. If you’re looking for a modern anime where the character has a powerful emotional journey, this might be the perfect choice for you. Frieren has been celebrated by fans all over the world for its unique storytelling, an incredibly cosy fantastical world, and the show’s authentic (and loveable) characters. Madhouse may have released just one season so far, but the adaptation has already perfectly captured the magic of Kanehito Yamada’s manga of the same name.
My Hero Academia
The first episode of My Hero Academia was released in 2016 and “MHA” has built up an incredibly devoted fanbase throughout the decade. It centers on Izuku Midoriya, a young boy who enrolls in a ‘hero academy’ where he learns the true meaning of heroism. It has a slew of brilliant side characters, a unique influence from superhero comic books, and a lot of satisfying action scenes. So if you haven’t seen My Hero Academia yet and you love superhero comic books, this should definitely be on your anime watchlist. Another reason to start watching My Hero Academia is that the final season is scheduled for release later this year. That gives you plenty of time to dive deep into the fandom and enjoy the last ever season of the show as it airs.
JoJo's Bizarre Adventure
As an adaptation of Hirohiko Araki's manga series of the same name, there’s nothing quite like JoJo's Bizarre Adventure. Set in the late 1980s, the show follows Jotaro Kujo and his comrades as they develop powers known as ‘Stands.’ When the Stand of Jotaro’s mother awakens and threatens to consume her in 50 days, he attempts to save her life searching for the evil vampire known as Dio Brando.
JoJo is undeniably the ‘weirdest’ anime on this list, and that’s all the more reason to watch it. The show is packed with action but also takes time to develop its many, many outlandish and charismatic characters. It centers on an epic quest but also has an admirably off-beat humor beloved by the JoJo fandom. The show is also packed full of cultural references from popular 1980s music, fashion and culture. So if you’re looking for a popular anime that is unlike anything else, JoJo is a great choice.
Solo Leveling
Based on Chugong's South Korean web novel, Solo Leveling takes place in a world where “Gates” can be used for interdimensional travel to a world where humans have special abilities. These people are known as “Hunters,” and the story centers on a low-ranked Hunter called Sung Jinwoo and his change in fortune when he gains the ability to level-up independently.
Sung Jinwoo has a satisfying journey throughout Solo Leveling because he starts at rock-bottom and must constantly overcome adversities to reach his goal. If you’re looking for an underdog story that will keep you on the edge of your seat, Solo Leveling has everything you need. Watching him grow physically and mentally is the focal point of the anime, resulting in one of the best-written shows of the decade.
One Punch Man
While most anime on this list can be praised for their power systems, One Punch Man is celebrated for parodying this common anime trope. It centers on Saitama, a superhero who is so powerful that he’s become bored and disillusioned. As ‘One Punch Man,’ he can easily defeat anybody with a single punch – completely undermining his feats of heroism. While this may sound like a one-off gag, it’s surprising just how many great jokes are packed into this show. Along with JoJo, One Punch Man is the funniest anime on this list, so this is a great addition to your watchlist if you’re looking for something that delivers action-packed animation with plenty of laughs.
The Apothecary Diaries
In The Apothecary Diaries, a kidnapped young woman is forced into servitude at the emperor’s palace. In secret, she uses her pharmacist skills to find the truth behind medical mysteries. Based on Natsu Hyūga’s light novel series, the show debuted in 2023 and has a growing fanbase thanks to its enticing mysteries and a charming protagonist. The emperor’s palace also serves as a constantly interesting environment as Maomao learns more about the internal politics and secrets.
Honorable Mentions
The last 10 years have given fans so many iconic anime shows to enjoy that it’s impossible to include them all in this list. If you still want more recommendations, take a look at hit shows from recent years such as Dandadan, Spy X Family, Re: Zero and Dr. Stone. These all offer extremely different experiences, from lighthearted fun to classic shonen action thrills. If you’re looking for something much darker, you may also be interested in Chainsaw Man. For more fantastical quests, consider watching Vinland Saga or the incredibly unique To Your Eternity.
