The 10 Best Anime Shows of the Last Decade, Ranked

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.

Unlike many of the top anime on this list, The Apothecary Diaries is a dialogue-heavy mystery story that doesn't rely on frequent action or fan service to keep fans engaged. Like Frieren: Beyond Journey's End (more on this later), The Apothecary Diaries helped popularize slower, character-driven stories ever since the first season was released in 2023.

This beloved show might have made it higher up the list, but it's only a few years old and can't quite compete with cultural impact of the decade's most popular shonen anime.

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.

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.

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.

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.