The 10 Most Impactful Anime of the Last 10 Years

The anime landscape has evolved dramatically over the past decade, bringing us groundbreaking stories, unforgettable characters, and stunning animation that pushed boundaries. From cultural phenomena to critically acclaimed masterpieces, certain series have left an undeniable mark on the industry and its fans. Join us as we look back at the 10 most impactful anime that defined the last 10 years.

10. Banana Fish

Banana Fish is a masterclass in emotional storytelling, though viewers should be prepared for a heartbreaking journey and a gut-wrenching ending. The series follows Ash Lynx, a gang leader, and Eiji Okumura, a photojournalist’s assistant, as their paths intertwine, pulling them into a dangerous mystery surrounding the illegal drug “Banana Fish.” As they race to uncover the substance’s origins and avenge Ash’s brother, the heart-pounding action is underscored by profound emotional themes. Banana Fish tackles heavy topics like sexual violence and abuse with unflinching honesty, never glamorizing or trivializing them. Despite its almost guaranteed tear-jerking impact, the series’ powerful narrative makes every tear shed worthwhile.

9. The Apothecary Diaries

Despite airing for less than two years, The Apothecary Diaries has already set a new standard for modern romance anime. This rare gem offers something for everyone, seamlessly blending elements of medicine, romance, politics, and mystery. The slow-burn romance between Jinshi and Maomao is heartwarming to witness, beautifully complemented by the vibrant and stunning animation from TOHO Animation and OLM. Its nomination for Anime of the Year, despite not winning, stands as a testament to its undeniable impact and broad appeal.

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8. Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End

Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End has emerged as a new-gen fantasy hit, masterfully balancing a sense of calm with moments of excitement. The rich world-building, enchanting music, and exquisite animation create a mystical atmosphere that draws viewers into Frieren’s world. While not as action-packed as many shonen, Frieren excels in its contemplative depth. It explores the devastating reality of Frieren’s lengthy lifespan—where she outlives her loved ones—yet beautifully illustrates her journey to find purpose, connection, and joy despite this. The series profoundly inspires viewers to cherish relationships and embrace life’s simple pleasures.

7. Dandadan

Dandadan exploded onto the scene with its anime debut in October 2024, instantly captivating viewers worldwide. This unique genre-bending series brilliantly combines terrifying horror with lighthearted romance, doing justice to both. While a supernatural horror-romance, Dandadan also functions as a coming-of-age story set in high school, following its teenage protagonists, Okarun and Momo. Though their supernatural predicaments are often outlandish, every disaster they face ultimately draws them closer, creating a heartwarming and utterly distinct narrative.

6. Chainsaw Man

Beyond its intense action, Chainsaw Man’s influence lies in its emotionally complex storytelling and nuanced exploration of trauma. The series delves into Denji’s psychological journey as he grapples with manipulation from trusted figures and the devastating loss of loved ones. Its first season garnered widespread acclaim largely due to its dark tone and moral complexity, offering a narrative where violence serves the story rather than being gratuitous, making it a benchmark for mature shonen.

5. A Silent Voice

A Silent Voice stands as a profoundly influential anime with a vital purpose: to illuminate the devastating consequences of bullying. The film masterfully portrays the evolving friendship between Shoya Ishida and Shoko Nishimiya, complicated by the revelation that Shoya was Shoko’s primary tormentor during their tumultuous middle school years. The movie bravely tackles mental health, a topic often underserved in media, dedicating a powerful narrative to exploring the severe harm bullying inflicts on both victims and perpetrators.

Shoko’s deafness adds another crucial layer, highlighting how differences are often targeted. The film’s enduring lesson — that no one should be mistreated for who they are — continues to resonate deeply with audiences of all ages, solidifying its status as a modern classic.

>>> “A Silent Voice” is a great movie to watch when you’re feeling down.

4. Mob Psycho 100

Mob Psycho 100 follows Shigeo Kageyama, or Mob, a seemingly ordinary boy with some of the world’s most formidable psychic powers. The series explores the immense responsibility that comes with such abilities, as Mob must cautiously control his strength to avoid harming others.

Despite his extraordinary gifts, Mob grapples with universal teenage experiences: lack of self-confidence, awkward crushes, and the search for purpose. The anime excels not only in its hilarious humor and spectacular power sequences but also in its heartfelt delivery of valuable life lessons, making it influential for its blend of action, comedy, and profound character development relevant to all walks of life.

3. Jujutsu Kaisen

Jujutsu Kaisen has served as a gateway into anime for countless new fans, becoming a cherished “first series” for many. Its memorable characters, like the witty Gojo Satoru and the determined Yuji Itadori, resonate deeply due to their multifaceted personalities and significant growth through challenging battles.

Beyond character depth, Jujutsu Kaisen boasts some of MAPPA’s most fluid animation, an unforgettable musical score, and profound messages about good vs. evil, the sanctity of human life, and the protective lengths people will go for loved ones. The narrative is packed with plot twists and major character deaths, some so impactful they feel like personal betrayals, underscoring its immense emotional hold and influence on its audience.

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2. Solo Leveling

Crowned the 2025 Crunchyroll Anime Award’s Anime of the Year, Solo Leveling is truly a once-in-a-generation hit. It chronicles Sung Jinwoo’s compelling transformation from an E-Rank hunter to the coveted S-Rank, with each fight becoming progressively more intense, cinematic, and immersive than the last. The series’ captivating musical score, breathtaking animation, and the thrill of Jinwoo’s relentless progress combine to create some of the most dynamic and visually stunning battles in anime. Solo Leveling’s rapid accumulation of accolades confirms its significant impact and rising influence in the anime industry.

1. Demon Slayer

Despite occasional criticisms regarding its storytelling or character development, Demon Slayer’s cultural influence is undeniable, having significantly revolutionized the world of shonen anime. A prime example is Demon Slayer: Mugen Train, which remains the highest-grossing anime film of all time even four years after its release.

Its unprecedented success sparked an influx of theatrically released anime films in subsequent years, unequivocally proving the audience’s desire for these stories on the big screen. With the announcement that its final season will be released as three movies, Demon Slayer continues to set industry trends until its very conclusion, delivering gorgeous animation and one of anime’s most resilient protagonists.