Masterpieces are few and far between, with even some of the most established mediums only providing a few, such asThe GodfatherandBreaking Bad, for example. It is even more difficult to find these perfectly crafted shows inanime, which have had substantially less time. However, they do exist, and while fans can find some, likeCowboy Bebop, narrowing it down to a specific decade is more interesting.
Anime has evolved with every decade, but the 2010s were a prolific era that took another big step, producing some of the greatest anime series of all time. Which is why this list ranks ten anime from the 2010s as masterpieces, based on theirwriting quality, story, characters, philosophical, political, and psychological themes, essential messages, fan opinion, critical acclaim, and how well they represent their decade.
10’Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure' (2012)
Original Creator: Hirohiko Araki
Anime is oftentimes weird, but that is part of its charm, and no show is weirder thanJojo’s Bizarre Adventure. With each part following a new member of the Joestar lineage in a different setting, fans can enjoy an array of characters and plots. However, each part takes the Joestars and their Joebroes on a wild journey, ranging from defeating vampires to finding a serial killer.
WhileJojo’s Bizarre Adventureisn’t for everyone and has its fair share of inconsistencies, the anime is too unique to leave off this list. With one of thebest hero-villain dynamics in anime, this show hooks viewers with its originality, suspenseful moments, and captivating adventure. It may not have much to say, but its story, characters, and journey are more than enough to make it a masterpiece.
JoJo Bizarre Adventure
9’Parasyte: The Maxim' (2014)
Original Creator: Hitoshi Iwaaki
Aliens are a staple of any medium, and while they aren’t as prevalent in anime,Parasyte: The Maximproves they can do the genre right. When a parasitic alien fails to plant itself in the brain of 17-year-old Shinichi, it takes refuge in his right arm. Now forming a symbiotic relationship, Migi (the alien) directs Shinichi to others of his kind, trying to stop their worldwide invasion.
Parasyteperfectly weaves philosophical themes with compelling storytelling and riveting action, creating a masterpiece that appeals to a wide audience. The tight story delivers a dark take on the genre, while the plot is full of twists and turns, which keep the audience guessing.Parasyteis a perfect sci-fi anime, proving to be a masterpiece of this decade.
Parasyte: The Maxim
8’Attack on Titan' (2013)
Original Creator: Hajime Isayama
Few anime have been able to break the internet. Still,Attack on Titandid it on multiple occasions, proving it is one of the most critically acclaimed and popular anime series. After Titans destroy his village, Eren Yeager joins the Survey Corps for revenge, but after gaining the ability to turn into a Titan, he leads humanity past the walls to learn the truth and fight their real enemies.
Fans may be surprised thatAttack on Titanisn’t higher on this list, considering it is arguably the most popular and influential anime of the 2010s. However, some lackluster moments and an inconsistent finale keep it from reaching a higher rating. Despite those issues,Attack on Titanis an unpredictable masterpiece, with one of the greatest plots in anime. Utilizing masterful writing to convey complex themes and compelling characters, this anime is one for the history books.
Attack On Titan
7’Rainbow' (2010)
Original Creators: George Abe and Masasumi Kakizaki
Not every masterpiece needs to be well-known, andRainbowproves that, serving as one of the most underrated shows of the 2010s. Set after the Second World War, it follows six teenage convicts sent to a reformatory prison. However, their stay is hellish, with the teenagers finding solace in thinking about what they will do once they are outside.
Despite not being the most popular series,Rainbowis an incredible work of artthat, while dull at moments, paints a profound and emotionally charged story about life in Japan after the war. The anime gradually develops the characters, their relationships, and histories, weaving them intoan engrossing story that explores human nature.
Rainbow: The Seven from Compound Two, Cell Six
6’Hunter x Hunter’ (2011)
Original Creator: Yoshihiro Togashi
While there is a 1999 version of this anime, the 2011Hunter x Hunteris far superior. After his father left him at a young age, Gon embarks on an adventure to find him, first needing to become a Hunter. However, his journey is fraught with perilous threats, rigorous training, and emotional growth.
Long-running battle shōnen aren’t usually masterpieces since they are so long that they develop many issues, and they focus on entertainment over story. However,Hunter x Huntermaintains its enjoyable action with a unique twist, focusing on plot, themes, and characters. It boasts thebest character development in anime, along with multiple psychological themes, making it one of the greatest battle shōnen series.
Hunter x Hunter
5’Vinland Saga' (2019)
Original Creator: Makoto Yukimura
Historical anime are gaining popularity, withVinland Sagaleading the charge, becoming one of the most renowned anime series in recent years. After the Vikings kill his father, Thorfinn joins their group in order to get revenge on their leader, Askeladd, when he is strong enough. Thorfinn goes on a journey of violence and self-discovery, learning many important lessons along the way.
Despite just making the cut for this list by releasing in 2019,Vinland Sagahas already proven to be a masterpiece, even though there is still more story to tell. The first season presents an action-packed prologue to Thorfinn, while also exploringphilosophical and religious themes. The second season delves into the heart of the protagonist, providing some of the best character development and creating one of thefinest historical anime series ever.
4’The Tatami Galaxy' (2010)
Original Creator: Tomihiko Morimi
Just barely landing a place on this list by releasing in 2010,The Tatami Galaxyis an early masterpiece in this decade that established a spot as one of the best. It follows an unnamed protagonist who seeks to find his best life in college by joining multiple clubs in the hope of finding love. Each episode is set in an alternate reality where he joins a new club, but ends with the same results.
The Tatami Galaxyis a visually and narratively stunning anime thatuses unconventional storytelling and art direction to deliver its core themes. Telling the audience that the best choice is dangling right in front of you, it does so whimsically, bringing viewers through a gorgeous world and an imaginative plot.The Tatami Galaxyis a great avant-garde animeand an unforgettable masterpiece.
The Tatami Galaxy
3’Katanagatari' (2010)
Original Creators: ISIN NISIO and Take
Fans may knowISIN NISIOfor their renownedMonogatari Series, but they have also delivered an equally masterful, but more underrated series,Katanagatari. Edo-Japan is a time when multiple sword styles flourish, but Shichika uses an unorthodox method, making his body a sword. When a mysterious girl asks for his help to collect twelve swords for the Shogun, he accepts, going on a perilous journey.
Katanagatariis a unique anime, delivering an imaginative visual and art style with non-stop epic action. While the action and animation are entertaining, thestorytelling and dialogueelevate it to a masterpiece, offering some of the most captivating scriptwriting in anime.Katanagatariis visually stunningand a feast for the eyes and ears.
Katanagatari
2’Mob Psycho 100' (2016)
Original Creator: ONE
One of the most critically acclaimed anime ever isMob Psycho 100, and it is also a masterpiece of the 2010s. Shigeo often gets lost in the crowd due to his lack of presence, hence his nickname Mob, but only a few people know that he is the strongest psychic in the world. Despite this, he only wants to live an ordinary life, but his suppressed emotions reveal themselves in psychic bursts, making life more difficult.
Mob Psycho 100is just as deserving of the top spot on this list, but it lands at number two because of some slow moments. However, this anime remainsa definitive masterpiece that excels in almost every category, from action to animation, direction, comedy, character development, and plot.Mob Psycho 100is a modern classicthat took the 2010s by storm with its blend of perfection.
Mob Psycho 100
1’Steins;Gate' (2011)
Original Creators: Nitroplus and 5pb.
Anime can come from many different forms, including manga, light novels, or original series. However,Steins;Gateis one of the few series spawned from a visual novel. After a self-proclaimed mad scientist accidentally creates a device that can send texts into the past, they damage the timeline and put themselves at risk from mysterious organizations.
Time travel is one of the most challenging genres to get right, butSteins;Gateboasts masterful writing that effortlessly manages the story, keeping it from imploding and delivering a coherent and riveting series of events.Steins;Gateis a masterpieceof the 2010s and, in general, is the epitome of perfect writing with its mixture of comedy, romance, drama, and a thrilling plot.
