July 4th, 2014
Top 16 Favorite KyoAni Anime
Anime Relations: Full Metal Panic? Fumoffu, Full Metal Panic! The Second Raid, Air, Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuuutsu, Kanon (2006), Lucky☆Star, Clannad, Clannad: After Story, Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuuutsu (2009), K-On!, Sora wo Miageru Shoujo no Hitomi ni Utsuru Sekai, K-On!!, Nichijou, Hyouka, Chuunibyou demo Koi ga Shitai!, Tamako Market, Kyoukai no Kanata, Free!, Chuunibyou demo Koi ga Shitai! Ren
Hello again! Throughout the months of March and June, I have decided to watch every anime TV series done by the production studio called Kyoto Animation (or KyoAni for short). If you don't know, I am a huge fan of KyoAni. I enjoy all of what they do (or most of it), and I adore their quality of animation and artwork.
Since I haven't seen all of the movies (specifically Tamako Love Story), I will be only ranking the TV series, so here they are, in the order of their airing time:
Full Metal Panic? Fumoffu
Air
Full Metal Panic! The Second Raid
Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuuutsu (2009 included)
Kanon (2006)
Lucky Star
Clannad
Clannad: After Story
Sora wo Miageru Shoujo no Hitomi ni Utsuru Sekai
K-On! (Just for organization's sake, both seasons will be clumped together)
Nichijou
Hyouka
Chuunibyou Demo Koi ga Shitai! (Again, Ren will be included with the first season just to stay organized)
Tamako Market
Free!
Kyoukai no Kanata
Now before I hear any complaints of how I ranked these shows, let me make myself clear: This list is 100% MY opinion, so if you don't like my rankings, you're just gonna have to bear with me.
With that said, with 16 spots for the ranking, let's begin!
#16: Nichijou - Score: 5/10
This is definitey my least favorite of the KyoAni barrel. I just found it absolutely dull and boring. There were some good moments, but they were few and far between. I just wasn't a fan of this show at all, since I'm not the biggest fan of slapstick comedy.
#15: Lucky Star - Score: 5.2/10
This has the same problems I have with Nichijou. The humor just wasn't my "cup of tea", and the moments where I did laugh were few and far between. Plus, other than Konata and Kagami, I didn't like any of the characters at all. But some of the things that kept this show from being last place were some of the references to other anime shows (like Fullmetal Alchemist and Haruhi Suzumiya) that I liked, and the OP was incredibly catchy.
Okay, so those are the KyoAni shows I don't like. Everything else from here on I liked!
#14: Sora wo Miageru Shoujo no Hitomi ni Utsuru Sekai - Score: 6.4/10
As KyoAni's first original work, this was quite enjoyable. The fantasy elements were handled very well, and artwork is very nice. However, this show is not without its problems. Most of the characters are completely forgettable, there were moments that were extremely cheesy, and the last few episodes felt completely rushed. I know that the show was only 9 episodes long, but it's still a problem that I have. That aside, though, this was still good for what it was!
#13: Tamako Market - Score: 7.1/10
This was a really cute Slice-of-Life series! The characters were loveable, some of the comedic moments were pretty funny, and it even had a heartwarming moment once in a while (like in Episode 9). While it doesn't stand out compared to other shows in its genre, it was defnitely still cute and enjoyable, to say the least. I can't wait to see Tamako Love Story!
#12: K-On! - Score: (Season 1): 6.6/10 / ( Season 2): 7.7/10 = 7.15/10 Avg.
Honestly, I didn't care about this show that much. It's basically just the typical cute-girls-doing-cute-things formula that we are aware of from KyoAni. That's perfectly fine, but I would've liked to see more than just seeing the characters eating cake and drinking tea (or at least not do it as often). And even though I wasn't expecting an anime based entirely around music/a band (are at least similar to an anime like Beck), I just found the music, for the most part, mostly forgettable (aside from the OPs and EDs). And the characters ranged from okay to kind of annoying (particulary Yui). So why did I put this a little higher than Tamako Market? Well, most of these problems I have were primarly within the first season.
Most of the problems I had with season 1 were definitely fixed with the help of season 2. Despite the fact that it's pretty similar to season 1, I liked that there was more than just "cake-and-tea" shennanigans. Plus, I got the feels around the end of the second season, because it kinda gave me some nostalgia of when I had friends graduating, and when I graduated from high school. It was heart-warming, to say the least.
So, long story short: Even though season 1 had its fair share of problems (for me, at least), season 2 definitely made up for it.
#11: Kyoukai no Kanata - Score: 7.3/10
I honestly don't know what to say about this one. While it has some of the best visuals out of anything I've seen from KyoAni, and I LOVE the fantasy elements of the world that these characters live in, this anime is lower on this list because of some VERY big problems I have with it. One, the attempts at humor were absolutely HORRIBLE. Two, the main characters were just unbearably annoying as hell, and I couldn't stand them at all. The male leads just talk about their fetishes, and female leads just point out how perverted the guys are. And three, I just felt like it was rushed, due to the fact that it was only given 12 episodes. I just wished it was a little longer, though.
Problems aside, the anime became very interesting during the middle-late stage. And the ED is absolutely amazing. Plus, I'll give credit to KyoAni for doing something that's completely out of their comfort zone. It was still an enjoyable show, despite its problems.
#10: Air - Score: 7.4/10
Out of the KyoAni/Key Trio, this is my least favorite of the bunch. I still like it, don't get me wrong, but I didn't have the enjoyment with it that I had with Clannad and Kanon. The plot, for the first half of the show, is pretty solid, as it has twists that you don't normally see in a visual novel. Plus, for an anime that came out in 2005, it looks absolutely beautiful, especially with how the sky looks (given that the name is AIR, hahaha *shot*). The OP is also very good as well! The few problems I have with Air, however, is that it's too short, and the second half is VERY unfocused, which left me very confused and a little frustrated at the same time. And the characters, aside from a few, were either forgettable or just annoying. I couldn't care for them at all. Still a beautiful anime, even if it is a little rough on the edges. I just happen to like Clannad and Kanon more. But definitely watch this if you want a good drama.
Speaking of which....
#9: Kanon (2006) - Score: 7.6/10
I enjoyed this for the same reasons I enjoyed Air. Beautiful visuals (definitely an improvment from the 2002 verson) and good storytelling. However, Kanon is a little higher on the list for a few obvious reasons. Those reasons are: The story is more consistent in how it's told, the characters were more interesting, and it's more visually appealing. Plus, as far as the main characters go (the males), I found Yuuichi more enjoyable to watch than Yukito. The only flaws I see in the show are the lack of interaction with the girls, once their specific arc was done, and the fact that I could not stand Makoto at all. Still a must-watch for any fan of Key and/or KyoAni.
#8: Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuuutsu - Score: (2006): 8/10 / (2009): 7.2/10 = 7.6/10 Avg.
Oh Haruhi.... so bloody entertaining and awesome at the exact same time. Endless Eight aside, both seasons were vastly enjoyable! It was thrilling, hilarious, and everything in between. It basically combines every genre (with a few obvious exceptions), and does a brilliant job while doing so. Also, Kyon is just an awesome protagonist that I can't even explain (and Crispin Freeman does a BRILLIANT job voicing him). And while I have a few problems with this anime (Endless Eight, Haruhi's sexual harassment on Mikuru, Mikuru herself...), they didn't lessen my enjoyment for this show in the slightest! Definitely a must watch if you're a fan of slice-of-life shows.
#7: Chuunibyou Demo Koi ga Shitai! - Score: (First Season): 8.1/10 / (Ren): 7.5/10 = 7.8/10 Avg.
This was quite the surprise, to be completely honest. I was expectiing a romantic-comedy with this show, but it was so much more than that. The imagination of the ones with the Chuunibyou (or Eighth-grade-syndrome) was just absolutely insane. It also had some decent drama with the latter half of the show. And I really enjoyed the characters as well! Rikka is just one of the most adorable characters I've come across in an anime in a while. Plus, Yuuta and Rikka have become one of my all-time favorite anime couples (They're just absolutely adorable together!). Although I didn't enjoy season 2 as much as the first, it was still really enjoyable to watch (Although that love triangle seemed very unescessary...).
P.S. I wanna take a nap with Kumin so bad!!
#6: Full Metal Panic? Fumoffu - Score: 7.9/10
I really enjoyed this! Compared to how dramatic and action-packed the first season of Full Metal Panic was, it was a nice change of pace to see a season that's more of a side-story, slice-of life. It was a blast to watch, and even though some of the comedy was a little awkward (I'm not the biggest fan of slapstick), the comedy that WAS funny was absolutely hilarious.
#5: Full Metal Panic! The Second Raid - Score: 8.2/10
One of the examples of a sequel done right. With better writing, better character development, better animation, and a better idea of what it's trying to be. I was seriously sucked in from start to finished. For something that they're not used to, I think KyoAni did a pretty good job with the action scenes (and having CGI that isn't absolutely atrocious). Even though the story isn't anything new, I love how it's done. The only problems I see with this show are the villains (which were absolutely annoying and a disappointment, compared to Gauron), and that the ending just makes the series feel incomplete, unless we get another season of this (which I'm pretty sure won't happen anytime soon). Regardless, it's still good enough to make it into my Top 5.
#4: Clannad - Score: 8.4/10
With it narrowed down, Clannad is my absolute favorite of the Key/KyoAni Trio. It was just an absolute blast to watch. While it has the premise that's pretty much similar to any other visual novel, the way it's presented is absolutely brilliant. The arcs with the different girls are shown very well with great depth (while giving some feels in the process), and even though it takes some time to develop, I really enjoyed the building of the romance between Tomoya and Nagisa. Although it does seem boring in some areas, Clannad does a great job for setting up the stage for the AMAZINGNESS that is its sequel. It's definitely worth the watch for that alone. Plus, the ED is now one of my favorite EDs of all-time.
#3: Hyouka - Score: 8.8/10
This anime was absolutely fantastic!! Despite that it has a slow start (which could be a turn off for some people), Hyouka (or as I like to call it, the love child of KyoAni and Shaft) is a great slice-of-life with some mystery elements added to it. I think combining slice-of life and mystery together was absolutely brilliant, and this show executed it PERFECTLY! With amazing visuals and music, as well as a relaxing atmosphere, and the excitement of a mystery (which I really enjoy), Hyouka has made its way into becoming one of my all-time favorite anime. GIVE ME MY SECOND SEASON OF THIS, KYOANI!!!!! NOW.
P.S. I forgot to mention that Houtarou Oreki is just awesome. Just saying.
#2: Clannad: After Story - Score: 9/10
Pretty much widely known as the magnum opus of Kyoto Animation, and for perfectly good reason. So much emotion and passion was put into this show, and it really shows. From the story, the characters, the art, to the amazing music, After Story is just absolutely beautiful and heartbreaking in every single way. Even though it isn't my #1, this anime is one of the best experiences I've ever had in the time I've watched anime.
#1: Free! - Score: 9.1/10
Through process-of-elimination, it's pretty much unanimous that Free! is my favorite anime by Kyoto Animation. Obvious reputation aside, this show was just a rollercoaster of emotions to me. Whether it be the story, the characters, to the animation, to the soundtrack, this anime was definitely more than "meets the eye" to me. While it's more of a slice-of-life comedy than a sports anime, it executes this concept perfectly. While it may seem extremely cheesy and cliché at times, it didn't hinder my enjoyment for this anime at all. The comedy was great, the characters were likeable and very fun to watch, and at times, it tugged at my heartstrings with some of the drama that it offered. Free! made me happy, sad, angry, and made me hang on the edge of my seat all at the same time, and I wouldn't have it any other way. I was never bored while watching this anime. At all. KyoAni seemed to take a huge risk for this show, and in my opinion, it paid off beautifully. Free! is my favorite anime from Kyoto Animation, and I don't think it'll be topped anytime soon.
I hope that KyoAni continues to give out amazing work in the future, and I can't wait for their newest work: Amagi Brilliant Park, this upcoming Fall season!
Since I haven't seen all of the movies (specifically Tamako Love Story), I will be only ranking the TV series, so here they are, in the order of their airing time:
Full Metal Panic? Fumoffu
Air
Full Metal Panic! The Second Raid
Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuuutsu (2009 included)
Kanon (2006)
Lucky Star
Clannad
Clannad: After Story
Sora wo Miageru Shoujo no Hitomi ni Utsuru Sekai
K-On! (Just for organization's sake, both seasons will be clumped together)
Nichijou
Hyouka
Chuunibyou Demo Koi ga Shitai! (Again, Ren will be included with the first season just to stay organized)
Tamako Market
Free!
Kyoukai no Kanata
Now before I hear any complaints of how I ranked these shows, let me make myself clear: This list is 100% MY opinion, so if you don't like my rankings, you're just gonna have to bear with me.
With that said, with 16 spots for the ranking, let's begin!
#16: Nichijou - Score: 5/10
This is definitey my least favorite of the KyoAni barrel. I just found it absolutely dull and boring. There were some good moments, but they were few and far between. I just wasn't a fan of this show at all, since I'm not the biggest fan of slapstick comedy.
#15: Lucky Star - Score: 5.2/10
This has the same problems I have with Nichijou. The humor just wasn't my "cup of tea", and the moments where I did laugh were few and far between. Plus, other than Konata and Kagami, I didn't like any of the characters at all. But some of the things that kept this show from being last place were some of the references to other anime shows (like Fullmetal Alchemist and Haruhi Suzumiya) that I liked, and the OP was incredibly catchy.
Okay, so those are the KyoAni shows I don't like. Everything else from here on I liked!
#14: Sora wo Miageru Shoujo no Hitomi ni Utsuru Sekai - Score: 6.4/10
As KyoAni's first original work, this was quite enjoyable. The fantasy elements were handled very well, and artwork is very nice. However, this show is not without its problems. Most of the characters are completely forgettable, there were moments that were extremely cheesy, and the last few episodes felt completely rushed. I know that the show was only 9 episodes long, but it's still a problem that I have. That aside, though, this was still good for what it was!
#13: Tamako Market - Score: 7.1/10
This was a really cute Slice-of-Life series! The characters were loveable, some of the comedic moments were pretty funny, and it even had a heartwarming moment once in a while (like in Episode 9). While it doesn't stand out compared to other shows in its genre, it was defnitely still cute and enjoyable, to say the least. I can't wait to see Tamako Love Story!
#12: K-On! - Score: (Season 1): 6.6/10 / ( Season 2): 7.7/10 = 7.15/10 Avg.
Honestly, I didn't care about this show that much. It's basically just the typical cute-girls-doing-cute-things formula that we are aware of from KyoAni. That's perfectly fine, but I would've liked to see more than just seeing the characters eating cake and drinking tea (or at least not do it as often). And even though I wasn't expecting an anime based entirely around music/a band (are at least similar to an anime like Beck), I just found the music, for the most part, mostly forgettable (aside from the OPs and EDs). And the characters ranged from okay to kind of annoying (particulary Yui). So why did I put this a little higher than Tamako Market? Well, most of these problems I have were primarly within the first season.
Most of the problems I had with season 1 were definitely fixed with the help of season 2. Despite the fact that it's pretty similar to season 1, I liked that there was more than just "cake-and-tea" shennanigans. Plus, I got the feels around the end of the second season, because it kinda gave me some nostalgia of when I had friends graduating, and when I graduated from high school. It was heart-warming, to say the least.
So, long story short: Even though season 1 had its fair share of problems (for me, at least), season 2 definitely made up for it.
#11: Kyoukai no Kanata - Score: 7.3/10
I honestly don't know what to say about this one. While it has some of the best visuals out of anything I've seen from KyoAni, and I LOVE the fantasy elements of the world that these characters live in, this anime is lower on this list because of some VERY big problems I have with it. One, the attempts at humor were absolutely HORRIBLE. Two, the main characters were just unbearably annoying as hell, and I couldn't stand them at all. The male leads just talk about their fetishes, and female leads just point out how perverted the guys are. And three, I just felt like it was rushed, due to the fact that it was only given 12 episodes. I just wished it was a little longer, though.
Problems aside, the anime became very interesting during the middle-late stage. And the ED is absolutely amazing. Plus, I'll give credit to KyoAni for doing something that's completely out of their comfort zone. It was still an enjoyable show, despite its problems.
#10: Air - Score: 7.4/10
Out of the KyoAni/Key Trio, this is my least favorite of the bunch. I still like it, don't get me wrong, but I didn't have the enjoyment with it that I had with Clannad and Kanon. The plot, for the first half of the show, is pretty solid, as it has twists that you don't normally see in a visual novel. Plus, for an anime that came out in 2005, it looks absolutely beautiful, especially with how the sky looks (given that the name is AIR, hahaha *shot*). The OP is also very good as well! The few problems I have with Air, however, is that it's too short, and the second half is VERY unfocused, which left me very confused and a little frustrated at the same time. And the characters, aside from a few, were either forgettable or just annoying. I couldn't care for them at all. Still a beautiful anime, even if it is a little rough on the edges. I just happen to like Clannad and Kanon more. But definitely watch this if you want a good drama.
Speaking of which....
#9: Kanon (2006) - Score: 7.6/10
I enjoyed this for the same reasons I enjoyed Air. Beautiful visuals (definitely an improvment from the 2002 verson) and good storytelling. However, Kanon is a little higher on the list for a few obvious reasons. Those reasons are: The story is more consistent in how it's told, the characters were more interesting, and it's more visually appealing. Plus, as far as the main characters go (the males), I found Yuuichi more enjoyable to watch than Yukito. The only flaws I see in the show are the lack of interaction with the girls, once their specific arc was done, and the fact that I could not stand Makoto at all. Still a must-watch for any fan of Key and/or KyoAni.
#8: Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuuutsu - Score: (2006): 8/10 / (2009): 7.2/10 = 7.6/10 Avg.
Oh Haruhi.... so bloody entertaining and awesome at the exact same time. Endless Eight aside, both seasons were vastly enjoyable! It was thrilling, hilarious, and everything in between. It basically combines every genre (with a few obvious exceptions), and does a brilliant job while doing so. Also, Kyon is just an awesome protagonist that I can't even explain (and Crispin Freeman does a BRILLIANT job voicing him). And while I have a few problems with this anime (Endless Eight, Haruhi's sexual harassment on Mikuru, Mikuru herself...), they didn't lessen my enjoyment for this show in the slightest! Definitely a must watch if you're a fan of slice-of-life shows.
#7: Chuunibyou Demo Koi ga Shitai! - Score: (First Season): 8.1/10 / (Ren): 7.5/10 = 7.8/10 Avg.
This was quite the surprise, to be completely honest. I was expectiing a romantic-comedy with this show, but it was so much more than that. The imagination of the ones with the Chuunibyou (or Eighth-grade-syndrome) was just absolutely insane. It also had some decent drama with the latter half of the show. And I really enjoyed the characters as well! Rikka is just one of the most adorable characters I've come across in an anime in a while. Plus, Yuuta and Rikka have become one of my all-time favorite anime couples (They're just absolutely adorable together!). Although I didn't enjoy season 2 as much as the first, it was still really enjoyable to watch (Although that love triangle seemed very unescessary...).
P.S. I wanna take a nap with Kumin so bad!!
#6: Full Metal Panic? Fumoffu - Score: 7.9/10
I really enjoyed this! Compared to how dramatic and action-packed the first season of Full Metal Panic was, it was a nice change of pace to see a season that's more of a side-story, slice-of life. It was a blast to watch, and even though some of the comedy was a little awkward (I'm not the biggest fan of slapstick), the comedy that WAS funny was absolutely hilarious.
#5: Full Metal Panic! The Second Raid - Score: 8.2/10
One of the examples of a sequel done right. With better writing, better character development, better animation, and a better idea of what it's trying to be. I was seriously sucked in from start to finished. For something that they're not used to, I think KyoAni did a pretty good job with the action scenes (and having CGI that isn't absolutely atrocious). Even though the story isn't anything new, I love how it's done. The only problems I see with this show are the villains (which were absolutely annoying and a disappointment, compared to Gauron), and that the ending just makes the series feel incomplete, unless we get another season of this (which I'm pretty sure won't happen anytime soon). Regardless, it's still good enough to make it into my Top 5.
#4: Clannad - Score: 8.4/10
With it narrowed down, Clannad is my absolute favorite of the Key/KyoAni Trio. It was just an absolute blast to watch. While it has the premise that's pretty much similar to any other visual novel, the way it's presented is absolutely brilliant. The arcs with the different girls are shown very well with great depth (while giving some feels in the process), and even though it takes some time to develop, I really enjoyed the building of the romance between Tomoya and Nagisa. Although it does seem boring in some areas, Clannad does a great job for setting up the stage for the AMAZINGNESS that is its sequel. It's definitely worth the watch for that alone. Plus, the ED is now one of my favorite EDs of all-time.
#3: Hyouka - Score: 8.8/10
This anime was absolutely fantastic!! Despite that it has a slow start (which could be a turn off for some people), Hyouka (or as I like to call it, the love child of KyoAni and Shaft) is a great slice-of-life with some mystery elements added to it. I think combining slice-of life and mystery together was absolutely brilliant, and this show executed it PERFECTLY! With amazing visuals and music, as well as a relaxing atmosphere, and the excitement of a mystery (which I really enjoy), Hyouka has made its way into becoming one of my all-time favorite anime. GIVE ME MY SECOND SEASON OF THIS, KYOANI!!!!! NOW.
P.S. I forgot to mention that Houtarou Oreki is just awesome. Just saying.
#2: Clannad: After Story - Score: 9/10
Pretty much widely known as the magnum opus of Kyoto Animation, and for perfectly good reason. So much emotion and passion was put into this show, and it really shows. From the story, the characters, the art, to the amazing music, After Story is just absolutely beautiful and heartbreaking in every single way. Even though it isn't my #1, this anime is one of the best experiences I've ever had in the time I've watched anime.
#1: Free! - Score: 9.1/10
Through process-of-elimination, it's pretty much unanimous that Free! is my favorite anime by Kyoto Animation. Obvious reputation aside, this show was just a rollercoaster of emotions to me. Whether it be the story, the characters, to the animation, to the soundtrack, this anime was definitely more than "meets the eye" to me. While it's more of a slice-of-life comedy than a sports anime, it executes this concept perfectly. While it may seem extremely cheesy and cliché at times, it didn't hinder my enjoyment for this anime at all. The comedy was great, the characters were likeable and very fun to watch, and at times, it tugged at my heartstrings with some of the drama that it offered. Free! made me happy, sad, angry, and made me hang on the edge of my seat all at the same time, and I wouldn't have it any other way. I was never bored while watching this anime. At all. KyoAni seemed to take a huge risk for this show, and in my opinion, it paid off beautifully. Free! is my favorite anime from Kyoto Animation, and I don't think it'll be topped anytime soon.
I hope that KyoAni continues to give out amazing work in the future, and I can't wait for their newest work: Amagi Brilliant Park, this upcoming Fall season!
Posted by HannahxBear | Jul 4, 2014 11:41 AM | 3 comments
March 26th, 2014
What should I watch next?
Anime Relations: Ouran Koukou Host Club, Baccano!, Kuroshitsuji, Kuroshitsuji II, Guilty Crown, Hyouka, Kyoukai no Kanata, Noragami
Hello there peeps! I hope you're all doing just fine!
So, I'm in need of some help. I'm trying to figure out what anime to watch next (alongside FMA:B), but because I'm so indecisive, I can't make up my mind. Would you guys be willing enough to vote on which anime I should watch next?
Here's the link on where to vote: http://strawpoll.me/1384525/
You have until March 27, 2:00 P.M. EST (Eastern Standard Time) to place your vote.
Please and thank you!
- Hannah
So, I'm in need of some help. I'm trying to figure out what anime to watch next (alongside FMA:B), but because I'm so indecisive, I can't make up my mind. Would you guys be willing enough to vote on which anime I should watch next?
Here's the link on where to vote: http://strawpoll.me/1384525/
You have until March 27, 2:00 P.M. EST (Eastern Standard Time) to place your vote.
Please and thank you!
- Hannah
Posted by HannahxBear | Mar 26, 2014 1:50 PM | 0 comments