Modern Anime Doesn't Suck
Anime
This list is intended for those that have fallen off newer anime or are looking for more modern recommendations. I think each of these will be regarded as a classic in the future by avid anime watchers.
It includes shows that have had their first season start airing in 2010 or later.
The list will constantly update as I watch more
My Favourites: https://myanimelist.net/stacks/40763
It includes shows that have had their first season start airing in 2010 or later.
The list will constantly update as I watch more
My Favourites: https://myanimelist.net/stacks/40763
TV, 2019,
24 eps
Me:-
Author:10
A timeless Viking Age story of redemption and purpose with complex characters and universally relevant themes
ONA, 2023,
8 eps
Me:-
Author:9
A robot murder mystery by the acclaimed Naoki Urasawa. Covers themes of morality, human nature and politics
Hunter x Hunter (2011)
Hunter x Hunter
TV, 2011,
148 eps
Me:-
Author:9
The modern adaption of Yoshihiro Togashi's famed Hunter x Hunter. One of the most acclaimed battle shounen
Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu
Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju
TV, 2016,
13 eps
Me:-
Author:9
A complex human drama centered around the niche Japanese performing art of Rakugo
3-gatsu no Lion
March Comes In Like a Lion
TV, 2016,
22 eps
Me:-
Author:9
An emotionally rich drama featuring a large cast of characters with a wide range themes and scenarios relevant to the human experience
Uchuu Kyoudai
Space Brothers
TV, 2012,
99 eps
Me:-
Author:10
An inspiring tale of two brothers working towards their goal of becoming Astronauts and ending up on the moon together
Shingeki no Kyojin
Attack on Titan
TV, 2013,
25 eps
Me:-
Author:7
The legendary anime that became a phenomenon around the world. The premise involves humanity's last stand against giants known as Titans
TV, 2014,
11 eps
Me:-
Author:9
A story featuring four protagonists competing in a Ping Pong tournament, and the way the sport has affected their lives. For better or worse
Yojouhan Shinwa Taikei
The Tatami Galaxy
TV, 2010,
11 eps
Me:-
Author:9
A surreal and mind-bending college coming of age story with a unique art style
Houseki no Kuni
Land of the Lustrous
TV, 2017,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:9
A unique Buddhist inspired fantasy that feels unlike anything else. Beings made out of gems must defend themselves from a race of ethereal moon people
Kidou Senshi Gundam: The Origin
Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin
OVA, 2015,
6 eps
Me:-
Author:9
The semi-canonical prequel to the Mobile Suit Gundam series featuring the origin story of Char Aznable
TV, 2016,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:8
A coming of age story with a vibrant art direction featuring a young boy trying to become a better person without relying on his psychic powers
TV, 2012,
22 eps
Me:-
Author:9
A story set in a dystopian future where people are graded on how likely they are to commit a crime all for the sake of societal peace and stability
TV, 2011,
25 eps
Me:-
Author:9
An intense character based drama that revolves around a Japanese card game known as Karuta
Sora yori mo Tooi Basho
A Place Further Than The Universe
TV, 2018,
13 eps
Me:-
Author:9
An inspiring and heartfelt coming of age adventure where a group of high school girls go on an expedition to Antarctica
TV, 2010,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:9
A heavily dialogue based action series about a pair going on a journey to collect twelve special swords for the Shogunate
Uchuu Senkan Yamato 2199
Star Blazers: Space Battleship Yamato 2199
OVA, 2012,
26 eps
Me:-
Author:9
A modern remake of the seminal space opera series. It's influence on sci-fi and space operas is rivaled by few
Shinsekai yori
From the New World
TV, 2012,
25 eps
Me:-
Author:9
A unique coming of age story in a strange society. Things get stranger as mysteries unravel
TV, 2011,
24 eps
Me:-
Author:8
A heart pounding and intense time travel series with thriller aspects and secret organizations
Ousama Ranking
Ranking of Kings
TV, 2021,
23 eps
Me:-
Author:9
A fresh take on fairy tales which subverts expectations and has surprisingly complex characters
TV, 2021,
13 eps
Me:-
Author:9
A dialogue based mystery with multiple perspectives and an ensemble cast
Ginga Eiyuu Densetsu: Die Neue These - Kaikou
Legend of the Galactic Heroes: Die Neue These
TV, 2018,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:8
Modern remake of the acclaimed Legend of the Galactic Heroes series featuring space battles, scheming, politics and discussions on human nature
The original anime is the recommended version but this remake does a good job and is recommended for those who cannot stand older animation
The original anime is the recommended version but this remake does a good job and is recommended for those who cannot stand older animation
Chi. Chikyuu no Undou ni Tsuite
Orb: On the Movements of the Earth
TV, 2024,
25 eps
Me:-
Author:8
A boy in 15th Century Poland decides to secretly study Heliocentrism despite the risk that it will lead to torture and execution by the Church
TV, 2009,
15 eps
Me:-
Author:8
Monogatari Series
A character-driven, dialogue-driven series with avant garde animation and cinematography featuring a high school boy solving supernatural mysteries
***When the perspective is that of the protagonist, this series can get pretty degenerate. So if fanservice and ecchi elements are a dealbreaker, this series may not be for you
My recommended watch order, which is the Light Novel order with one change:
Bakemonogatari > Kizumonogatari I-III > Nisemonogatari > Nekomonogatari Kuro > Monogatari Series: Second Season > Tsukimonogatari > Owarimonogatari > Koyomimonogatari > Owarimonogatari 2nd Season > Zoku Owarimonogatari > Hanamonogatari > Monogatari Series: Off & Monster Season
A character-driven, dialogue-driven series with avant garde animation and cinematography featuring a high school boy solving supernatural mysteries
***When the perspective is that of the protagonist, this series can get pretty degenerate. So if fanservice and ecchi elements are a dealbreaker, this series may not be for you
My recommended watch order, which is the Light Novel order with one change:
Bakemonogatari > Kizumonogatari I-III > Nisemonogatari > Nekomonogatari Kuro > Monogatari Series: Second Season > Tsukimonogatari > Owarimonogatari > Koyomimonogatari > Owarimonogatari 2nd Season > Zoku Owarimonogatari > Hanamonogatari > Monogatari Series: Off & Monster Season
ONA, 2022,
10 eps
Me:-
Author:8
A bleak dystopian cyberpunk story where people have a penchant for mechanical augmentation despite its drawbacks
Sousou no Frieren
Frieren: Beyond Journey's End
TV, 2023,
28 eps
Me:-
Author:9
A slow paced fantasy journey that explores life through the lens of the passage of time with occasional high octane action
TV, 2011,
13 eps
Me:-
Author:8
A dark fantasy battle royale featuring heroes of legend competing for a powerful artifact
Kusuriya no Hitorigoto
The Apothecary Diaries
TV, 2023,
24 eps
Me:-
Author:8
A story of a young woman who loves poison being pulled into the Chinese Royal Palace and ends up solving mysteries there while navigating its inner politics
Karasu wa Aruji wo Erabanai
Yatagarasu: The Raven Does Not Choose Its Master
TV, 2024,
20 eps
Me:-
Author:8
Based on a novel series, this story features a kingdom of three-legged ravens that can take human form. Filled with political intrigue, power politics, shifting allegiances and mysteries
Tengoku Daimakyou
Heavenly Delusion
TV, 2023,
13 eps
Me:-
Author:8
A harrowing post-apocalyptic tale that features two perspectives and rewards its viewers for paying attention to subtle details
TV, 2023,
11 eps
Me:-
Author:8
A story with a darker look into several facets of the entertainment industry
Mahou Shoujo Madoka★Magica
Puella Magi Madoka Magica
TV, 2011,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:8
A darker and more psychological interpretation of the magical girl genre
TV, 2017,
13 eps
Me:-
Author:8
A unique fantasy series that gets darker and more twisted the deeper down in the abyss one goes
TV, 2019,
25 eps
Me:-
Author:8
A classic drama and romance with complex and human characters
Kaguya-sama wa Kokurasetai: Tensai-tachi no Renai Zunousen
Kaguya-sama: Love is War
TV, 2019,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:6
A rom-com with intense mind games aimed at forcing the other party to confess their love
Mushoku Tensei: Isekai Ittara Honki Dasu
Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation
TV, 2021,
11 eps
Me:-
Author:7
A highly influential isekai series with a controversial protagonist
Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu
Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World-
TV, 2016,
25 eps
Me:-
Author:7
An isekai with a unique twist, that has a cringey yet endearing protagonist. Interesting characters and lore with a grand fantasy story.
Sakamichi no Apollon
Kids on the Slope
TV, 2012,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:8
A coming of age story about two friends bonding over their love of playing jazz
TV, 2018,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:7
An intensely violent and hilarious race to find hidden gold in the harsh terrain of Hokkaido
TV, 2018,
13 eps
Me:-
Author:7
A gritty boxing series with a classic 90's aesthetic. A tribute to the iconic Ashita no Joe
Kaze ga Tsuyoku Fuiteiru
Run with the Wind
TV, 2018,
23 eps
Me:-
Author:8
A more adult sports drama about college bros training and running in a relay marathon
Hibike! Euphonium
Sound! Euphonium
TV, 2015,
13 eps
Me:-
Author:8
A drama about a high school orchestra's journey to winning the National competition with all the trials and tribulations involved
TV, 2018,
13 eps
Me:-
Author:7
A touching tale of a young girl seeking to reclaim her emotions through the cathartic experiences of those she interacts with
86
86 Eighty-Six
TV, 2021,
11 eps
Me:-
Author:6
A war drama with key themes of discrimination and the disposability of human life
TV, 2019,
24 eps
Me:-
Author:7
A remake of Osamu Tezuka's dark classic about a young man reclaiming the body parts he lost to demons due to his father's selfish wish
Heike Monogatari
The Heike Story
TV, 2022,
11 eps
Me:-
Author:8
This historical tale recounts the story of the Taira clan through their schemes and politics
TV, 2021,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:8
The story of a group of middle schoolers sucked into an alternate dimension and given psychic powers trying to adjust to their new situation and escape back home
Dungeon Meshi
Delicious in Dungeon
TV, 2024,
24 eps
Me:-
Author:8
A fantasy about a party eating their way through a dungeon with unique worldbuilding and a plot that grows thicker as they progress
Ookami to Koushinryou: Merchant Meets the Wise Wolf
Spice and Wolf: Merchant Meets the Wise Wolf
TV, 2024,
25 eps
Me:-
Author:8
The remake of a classic series featuring a Wolf Goddess and merchant travelling through Medieval Europe with a focus on character banter/chemistry and economics
TV, 2024,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:7
The crazy adventures of a boy and a girl being sucked into the world of the supernatural, extraterrestrial and the occult