Best Anime to Watch 2023 (Ranked)

As 2023 unfolds, the world of anime continues to captivate viewers with a diverse range of series releases. From epic battles against fearsome titans to time-traveling adventures and the exploration of fantastical worlds, all of the best anime to watch in 2023 deliver unforgettable experiences.

#5. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba (Season 3)

Demo Slayer has taken the anime world by storm with its captivating storyline and breathtaking animation. The series, which began in 2019, has garnered a massive following and has now entered its third season titled ‘Swordsmith Village Arc’, which started airing in the spring of 2023.

The ‘Swordsmith Village Arc‘ continues the story from the previous season, the ‘Entertainment District Arc’. Tanjiro Kamado embarks on a journey to the Swordsmith Village in hopes of persuading Hotaru Haganezuke to create a new sword for him. Along the way, he encounters two Hashira characters, Muichiro Tokito (the Mist Hashira) and Mitsuri Kanroji (the Love Hashira), as well as Genya Shinazugawa, a fellow Demon Slayer and the younger brother of the Wind Hashira.

As with previous two seasons, Demon Slayer Season 3 maintains its focus on action, delivering intense and thrilling battles. The arc wastes no time in plunging viewers into chaos, with the main villains making their presence felt early on. While the initial episodes may seem like a slower burn than the early episodes of prior seasons, the stakes rise as the story progresses.

“Is it worth watching Demon Slayer if I haven’t yet started the series?”

Yes! What sets Demon Slayer apart is its stunning animation. Produced by Ufotable, the series consistently showcases top-notch visuals, especially during the action sequences. The animation quality contributes to the overall immersive experience and enhances the impact of the story. Nothing ruins a great story more than poor animation quality!

Beyond its visual appeal, Demon Slayer’s popularity stems from its compelling storyline and well-developed characters. The series explores profound themes of humanity, sacrifice, and the bonds of friendship. Each episode keeps viewers engaged, eagerly awaiting the next installment.

If you haven’t already joined the Demon Slayer hype train, now is the perfect time to jump on board. The ‘Swordsmith Village Arc‘ delivers the same breathtaking visuals, compelling storyline, and high-stakes action that has captivated fans thus far. The character development of the Hashira and the exploration of Genya and the Swordsmith Village further enrich the narrative.

The only downside for fans is the weekly wait for new episodes, as the struggle to quench the thirst for more intense Demon Slayer action is very real. Nonetheless, the series continues to prove why it has become one of the most popular anime of recent years. With its remarkable animation, engaging plot, and relatable themes, Demon Slayer is undoubtedly worth watching!

#4. Trigun Stampede

The name Trigun holds a special place in the hearts of anime fans worldwide, thanks to Yasuhiro Nightow’s iconic manga and the beloved 1998 anime adaptation by studio Madhouse. So, when news of a rebooted version titled Trigun Stampede surfaced, it naturally left fans with a mix of excitement and caution. The bar was high, and the question remained: Could Trigun Stampede live up to the legacy of its predecessor?

Trigun Stampede, now produced by Orange Studio, takes a bold new direction while retaining the core essence of the original story. Utilizing cutting-edge CG animation, the series offers a fresh perspective and introduces intriguing plot points. Orange Studio makes it clear that Trigun Stampede is not intended to replace the original but rather provide something new and promising.

In the first episode of Trigun Stampede, Orange Studio eases both longtime fans and newcomers into the rebooted story. The premiere cleverly showcases the climax of Vash’s tragic origins, reminding viewers of the captivating mysteries that made the original series so enticing. By starting with this impactful moment, the reboot sets a different tone, deviating from the long-running mystery structure of the original.

One of the most interesting aspects of Trigun Stampede is the reimagining of its beloved cast of characters. Meryl Stryfe, who was previously an insurance agent in the original series, has been reworked into an investigative journalist mentored by the hardened veteran Roberto De Niro (not to be confused with the actor barring a similar name). While the absence of the charming Milly Thompson remains to be seen, the new direction of Meryl’s character adds excitement to the narrative.

“The CG animation of Trigun Stampede is some of the most beautiful animation in all of Anime”

CG animation has often been met with skepticism in the anime community, but Trigun Stampede showcases the significant progress made in recent years. Orange Studio delivers impressive fluidity and expressiveness in character movements, complemented by stunningly vibrant art style, color usage, and lighting.

The series has not yet been green-lit for a Season 2 so time will tell if the creative changes have paid off. The good news is critic reviews have been very positive, with a 4.5/5 stars on Crunchyroll.

On final thought, Trigun Stampede is not just a reboot but a testament to the enduring appeal of Nightow’s world. It is an apocalypse filled with broken characters striving to find purpose and hope in a shattered world. With its dazzling action and intriguing hero, Trigun Stampede proves to be not only one of the best anime of the year but simply one of the best shows across all of entertainment. The legacy of Trigun lives on, and fans – both old and new – have much to look forward to.

#3. Attack on Titan (Season 4, Part 3)

Attack on Titan, the colossal anime series that has captured the attention of viewers worldwide, reaches its climactic finale with Season 4 Part 3 airing in 2023. Since its debut in 2013, the series has consistently pushed the boundaries of storytelling and animation. The first three seasons, comprising 59 episodes in total, were masterfully crafted by Wit Studio from 2013 to 2019. The final season was produced by Mappa, and commenced in late 2022 to continue the saga towards conclusion.

With the transition from Wit Studio to Mappa for the final season, fans were initially apprehensive about the change in animation style. However, Mappa has proven itself more than capable of maintaining the visual quality and capturing the essence of the series. The stunning visuals and fluid animation continue to enhance the epic scale of the story, immersing viewers in the intense and harrowing world of Attack on Titan.

Throughout its masterful run Attack on Titan has immersed viewers in a dark fantasy world. The series has captivated audiences with its intricate plot, intense action sequences, and complex characters. With the final part, all eyes are on the fate of the hero, Eren Yeager, as his journey reaches its climax. Can he save humanity from the final Titan attacks? We’ll all soon find out!

Attack on Titan: Season 4, Part 3 marks the finale of the gripping narrative, divided into two parts. The first part is a one-hour special, and premiered in March 2023. Critics and fans alike were left on the edge of their seats. The second (and final) part is scheduled to release at some point between September – Novcember of 2023.

“A series finalee hasn’t been this hyped since the final episode of Game of Thrones. Attack on Titan is all but guaranteed to deliver a better closing episode!”

The impact of Attack on Titan on the greater fandom cannot be understated. The series has garnered critical acclaim for its thought-provoking themes, exploration of morality, and its ability to push the boundaries of storytelling within the anime medium. It has become a cultural phenomenon, captivating fans not only with its intense action but also with its deep emotional resonance and profound character development.

As fans eagerly anticipate the final episode, the anticipation and speculation surrounding the resolution of the story grow exponentially. The series has consistently subverted expectations and kept viewers on the edge of their seats with its shocking twists and revelations. The emotional roller coaster that accompanies the final episodes is sure to leave a lasting impact on fans and cement Attack on Titan’s status as one of the most iconic anime series of its time.

In conclusion, Attack on Titan has become a titan itself in the anime world, captivating audiences with its intricate narrative, intense action, and profound themes. As the final part of Season 4 unfolds, fans are bracing themselves for an epic conclusion that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact. With its legacy firmly established, Attack on Titan’s impact will be felt long after the series comes to a close.

#2. Tokyo Revengers (Season 2)

Tokyo Revengers is an adrenaline-pumping anime series that has captivated audiences with its time-traveling premise and intense gang warfare. After leaving viewers of season 1 on the edge of their seats with a nail-biting cliffhanger, it returned for its highly anticipated second season on January 8th, 2023.

Why was season 2 so great?

Season 2 explores the complexities of loyalty, friendship, and the consequences of one’s actions. As the story progresses, viewers are immersed in a web of shifting alliances, unexpected friends, and gripping revelations. The plot-line raises thought-provoking questions about redemption and the true nature of good and evil.

Beyond the engrossing storyline, Tokyo Revengers continues to impress with its stunning animation and dynamic action sequences. The visuals bring the intense gang battles to life, creating a visceral and intense viewing experience. The series captures the gritty atmosphere of the streets of Tokyo while still conveying the emotional depth of its characters.

As one of the standout anime series of 2023, Tokyo Revengers has garnered widespread critical acclaim for its thrilling storytelling and relatable characters. Fans have eagerly awaited the second season, and it delivers on its promise to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. The new Christmas Showdown arc introduces new challenges and confrontations for Takemichi and the Tokyo Manji Gang, ensuring that the excitement and suspense remain at an all-time high.

Tokyo Revengers Season 2 maintains the series’ reputation as a must-watch anime. It’s available for streaming on Disney+.

#1. Pokémon Horizons

Exciting changes are on the horizon for Pokémon fans around the world! Get ready for the highly anticipated premiere of Pokémon Horizons: A brand-new animated show that will take viewers on more thrilling adventures in the Pokémon world. This original series introduces a fresh story and a new cast of characters, including a girl and a boy, who will surely capture the hearts of fans everywhere.

What we’re looking forward to:

Pokémon Horizons will feature beloved Pokémon from the Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet video games, such as Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly. From exhilarating Trainer battles to delightful encounters with new Pokémon, fans can expect action-packed episodes filled with friendship, excitement, and the spirit of adventure.

“The new series will debut following the conclusion of the current season, Pokémon Ultimate Journeys.”

While Pokémon Ultimate Journeys brings Ash’s story to a close, it also offers a glimpse into the future, setting the stage for the upcoming Pokémon Horizons series.

Further details about Pokémon Horizons will be unveiled in short order and the first episode is expected to release by December of 2023.

While you wait for the release of Pokémon Horizons, make sure you check out our ranking of the top 13 best Shiny Pokémon.