Welcome to Blog about Movies! Can you believe it? We’re already halfway through the year, and the world of animation has been delivering incredible content nonstop. From brand-new stories to highly anticipated new seasons, honestly, this year has been absolutely stellar for fans. So, buckle up, because today we’re counting down the top 10 best animated series of the year so far. No matter what you’re into—thrilling action, heartfelt romance, or pure, unadulterated chaos—there’s something on this list for you. So, let’s get started!
Number 10 & 9
Sakamoto Days follows the story of a legendary hitman who leaves his old life behind, starts a family, and runs a neighborhood store. But, as it turns out, you can’t just resign from being a former assassin. So, between stocking shelves and managing his less-than-heroic physique, Sakamoto finds himself pulled back into the underworld. I have to be honest, it’s absolutely hilarious. The action sequences are incredible—fast-paced, inventive, and a refreshing departure from the usual flashy combat you often see. Not every series needs to be the next big power fantasy, and this one carves out its own unique identity. The visual style is sharp, the humor lands perfectly, and I’m convinced this could be the most binge-worthy show you pick up this year. I think we, as an audience, should try to keep an open mind about the new creative directions studios are exploring, rather than being overly critical. So, if you enjoy action-comedies and are looking for your next binge, this is the one for you.
Number 8
Secrets of the Silent Witch follows Monica, a mage of immense power who also happens to be incredibly shy, socially awkward, and basically terrified of human interaction. Instead of showcasing her incredible magical abilities, she’s just trying to get through school and protect a prince without succumbing to social anxiety. And somehow, that’s exactly what makes it so delightful to watch. This fantasy series keeps things surprisingly relatable. It’s not about epic battles and slaying monsters; it’s about a young woman navigating her own insecurities while possessing a staggering amount of power. It’s strangely addictive. The characters are endearing, the production quality is top-tier with beautiful visuals and an amazing soundtrack, and yet, it remains one of the year’s best-kept secrets. If you’re passing on this one, you’re truly missing out on a hidden treasure.
Number 7
To Hero X is a collection of stories all centered on superheroes, but with a unique premise. There’s a wearable device that literally quantifies a hero’s public approval rating. And the higher their popularity, the more powerful they become. So, yeah, saving the world basically depends on your social media clout. Now, here’s what makes it so impressively done. The action is top-tier. Every hero’s journey feels distinct and engaging, and the series maintains a high level of quality throughout. And because it’s an anthology, you’re never with one character for too long, which keeps the pacing dynamic and fresh. But the real standout feature is how the show seamlessly shifts its visual style in the middle of a fight. Some heroes even have their own completely distinct aesthetic, which makes everything even more engaging. Ultimately, it’s a supremely entertaining watch that feels innovative, creative, and totally different from your standard superhero fare.
Number 6
The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity might start off seeming like a typical high school romance. You know, the tall guy meets the quiet girl in the library. But here’s the twist: the quiet girl, Waguri, isn’t just any love interest. She’s the kind of character that immediately makes you think, “Oh, she’s something else.” She’s kind, emotionally mature, and easily one of the most well-written female characters the romance genre has offered in a long time. Another show did a great job too, but Waguri just feels different. She carries the narrative with her genuine and refreshing nature. It might look like just another school romance at first, and honestly, in the beginning, it does have that familiar vibe, but give it a little time and it will completely win you over. The romantic development is truly well done—grounded, smooth, and feels much more authentic than most series out there. This is the kind of romance that reminds you why you became a fan of the genre in the first place.
Number 5
Solo Leveling is essentially the breakout star of the action genre. It’s a power fantasy where our protagonist starts off incredibly weak, receives a major upgrade, and from there, it’s a continuous series of impressive transformations, power accumulation, and epic boss battles. The show doesn’t pretend to be deeply philosophical. It knows exactly what it is—pure, unadulterated action—and it executes that perfectly. The fights are slick, the music is hype, and the visuals are stunning. Honestly, it’s the perfect gateway series for someone new to anime. A friend of mine who had never watched an anime before binge-watched this, and now he’s excited to see the new big-screen installment of a popular demon-slaying series with me next month. Both seasons handle the source material adaptation very well. And while it doesn’t add tremendous depth to the main character, it more than makes up for it with sheer spectacle. In the end, it doesn’t try to be something it’s not. It’s straightforward action, and that’s why it succeeds. If you’re here for a complex narrative, you might want to look elsewhere. But if you just want to see walls shatter, monsters explode, the main character flex his powers, and non-stop power progression, this is your ideal watch.
Number 4
Dandadan is one of those series that leaves you thinking, “Wait, what did I just experience?” But in the best way possible. It mixes aliens, ghosts, and curses into a blender, adds high-velocity action and absurd comedy, and somehow makes it all coalesce into something brilliant. It’s bizarre, it’s hilarious, and it excels at both. The characters are instantly memorable. Each one feels larger-than-life, yet still grounded enough to care about. The production is absolutely stellar. The animation is fluid and explosive, the soundtrack hits all the right notes, and it all combines to make this series feel utterly unique. This isn’t just another seasonal release; it’s one of those unforgettable journeys that reminds you why animated shows are so much fun. If you’re looking for something wild, stylish, and unlike anything else this year, this is the ride you don’t want to miss.
Number 3
The Apothecary Diaries pulls you into the inner workings of the Imperial Court, where poison, secrets, and political scheming lurk around every corner. Our main character is just trying to keep to herself, but her brilliant mind and sharp, sarcastic wit keep pulling her into mystery after mystery. I’m going to be totally honest with you, watching her solve cases while verbally dismantling people along the way is half the fun. The plot is clever and mysterious. It keeps you guessing without ever becoming overly convoluted. The art is beautiful, the world feels richly developed, and the dynamic between the two leads is pure gold. It has this perfect blend of historical drama with a sprinkle of mystery that makes it incredibly addictive. This isn’t just another period piece; it’s a beautiful, intelligent, and one of the most satisfying series to binge this year. If you want a show that engages your mind and keeps you hooked, this is the one you can’t skip.
Number 2
Lord of Mysteries is the kind of series that grabs you from the very first episode and pulls you straight into its dark, enigmatic world—a world you won’t want to leave. The narrative is intricate and cerebral. It keeps you guessing at every turn, and just when you think you’ve figured something out, it completely flips the script. It can be a bit confusing at first, but it’s only going to get better from here. The animation is top-tier. It’s cinematic, detailed, and perfectly captures that eerie, gothic atmosphere. And let me tell you, the studio has already announced multiple future seasons and a film. Yeah, it’s that promising. Every frame feels meticulously crafted to draw you deeper into the enigma. It’s a rich, dark series that demands your attention to every little detail. If you’re looking for a story that’s intelligent, stylish, and unforgettable, this is peak dark fantasy executed perfectly.
Number 1
Takopi’s Original Sin is one of those series that deceives you right from the beginning. You see a cute, pink, octopus-like alien and think, “Oh, this is going to be a wholesome ride.” Think again. It’s a complete misdirection. What you actually get is a deeply twisted narrative. You have the helpless child, Shizuka, and the magical friend from the stars, Takopi, with his bag of happy-making gadgets. But instead of solving simple problems or scaring off bullies, everything descends into a world of neglect, abuse, and pain that feels terrifyingly real. Takopi, with his simplistic, cheerful mindset, has good intentions, but every attempt to help only deepens the tragedy. And that’s where the chaos erupts. The story cuts deep, dissecting trauma and brokenness in a way most shows wouldn’t dare. These few episodes are nothing short of a masterwork. Short, sharp, and utterly unforgettable. It’s not just good; it’s the kind of once-in-a-generation story that people remember for its uniqueness and brutal honesty. If you think animation can’t hit you right in the heart while smiling at you with a silly octopus face, this one will prove you wrong.
And that’s a wrap! This year has been filled with incredible heat, amazing stories, mind-blowing action, gorgeous visuals, and some truly stellar content. But hey, this is just my list. Now, I want to hear from you. Which series was your favorite this year? Did I miss one you think should have made the cut? Drop it in the comments below. I’ll see you in the next one. Peace out.
Thanks for reading!
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