9. Psycho-Pass Season 3
“Psycho-Pass”, set in a futuristic era in Japan, presents an advanced society where a network of psychometric scanners, actively measures the biometrics of its citizens' minds and mentalities using a ” scan” of the brain. Depending on its results, the citizen will either be free, put under medication or …decomposed. I have to admit that this anime is one of my all-time favorites, due to its' extremely complex and intelligent plot, its memorable characters and its smart dialogues. So, when Season Three was announced, I almost fell off my chair. The story continues from where it was left off, though the main team consists of different members. Yet, our favorite characters are still out there, so the surprises never stop. Do yourself a favor and watch this masterpiece from the beginning. Friendly advice: except of Season One and Two, you should watch the movie as well, in order to fully understand the happenings.
10. Dororo
“Dororo” is a classic-one. This action/ supernatural story, was first released as a manga in the 60s. Since then, an anime television series was aired in 1969, a live-action film in 2007 and, finally, a new anime adaptation by Studio MAPPA and Studio Tezuka Productions in 2019. Fun fact: Tezuka Productions is actually founded by Osamu Tezuka, “Dororo”'s creator. Moving on though, the plot revolves around a rōnin named Hyakkimaru and a young orphan named Dororo, during the Sengoku period. Hyakkimaru is born without internal organs or facial features, due to his father's pact with 48 demons. So, Hyakkimaru is determined to kill all of them, in order to reclaim what once was his. Dororo is a highly fascinating story, with memorable characters and a charming setting. However, there are a few things about this series that can be criticized (like the never-stopping narration), yet it is worth every minute of your time.
11. My Hero Academia Season 4
“My Hero Academia” is a popular anime series and the first season was aired in 2016. It's based on Kouhei Horikoshi's manga and it's directed by Kenji Nagasaki. This shounen show welcomes the viewer to a different world, where superpowers are part of everyday life. Adventures, epic fights and plenty of laughter are combined, in order to create an anime that can be enjoyed by everyone. Even though its' story commences with Izuku, the main character, and follows him throughout his long journey of becoming a hero, it doesn't stop there. It's full of morals about love, friendship and courage, as well as many interesting and well-made side characters. So, even non-shounen fans (like me), will have fun and will be looking forward to the next episode. After all, “My Hero Academia”, manages to blend together the whole ‘superhero theme', alongside with an ordinary school routine -and that's admirable!
12. Mob Psycho 100 Season 2
“Mob Psycho 100” is based on the homotitled manga of ONE -the creator of One Punch Man. Ever since the first season came to an end, everyone was thrilled for the continuation. In 2019, this wish came true and the legend of Mob, a high school esper boy with immense psychic power, returned. In this season, the main character is facing more powerful enemies as he struggles to not unleash an uncontrollable amount of energy. Studio Bones is doing a great job once again, making this show visually exciting. But Mob Psycho 100 isn't just a complex story about a powerful boy and his complicated relationships: it's about how love and empathy are stronger than any form of physical (or mental) power. So, go ahead and give a chance to this masterpiece! It conveys inspiring messages while it keeps you on the edge.
13. Fruits Basket
“Fruits Basket” is a global success, having a huge fanbase. So, it's not a surprise that its' anime adaptation became this popular. The story follows Tohru Honda, a young girl who recently lost her mother and, due to that, she moves in her grandfather's' home. Though, a renovation is occurring there and he asks her to …move somewhere else. So, poor Tohru ends up living up in the mountains, in a tent. When a wealthy family figures that out, they offer to take her as a maid, in order to help her. However, a dark secret lies under the surface… If you were intrigued by this plot, “Fruits Basket” is your new must-watch anime. It's full of bittersweet moments, so you might find yourself bursting into laughter and suddenly, one minute later, sobbing. One way or another, you will enjoy this!
14. Kaguya-sama: Love is War
“Kaguya-sama: Love is War” is based on the homotitled Japanese seinen manga series written and illustrated by Aka Akasaka. It's released by Studio A-1 Pictures and the director is Mamoru Hatakeyama. It narrates the story of Miyuki Shirogane and Kaguya Shinomiya, two popular students who appear to be the perfect couple. But, they are too egoists to confess their feelings to each other. So, what's the solution? Courage and honesty? No! Conspiracies, schemes and total chaos… This series turned out to be so eventful and intense, with amazing animation. It's well-made and a lot of thought is put into its' creation. Even if you somehow sense that the two main characters will end up together, the suspense is always present. Teenage immaturity, romantic/ comedy elements and tension, compose this unique series.
15. Given
“Given” is a yaoi/ slice of life anime, that focuses on four young musicians, who are struggling to create a band. As their story unfolds and the path that will lead them to their first big live performance is created, their friendship is tested by secret love relationships and a haunting past. Friendship, love, music, confessions, acceptance and panic: these are the essential elements of this show. Its flow is tranquil and it aims mostly at teenagers, by presenting in a calm and unassuming way the inner conflicts of the four main characters. It digs satisfyingly deep into their psyche and it questions their motives. It perfectly describes the chaos in the mind of a (gay) teenager. It sticks to the manga scenario faithfully and I can say that it goes even beyond when it comes quality – something rare in adaptations. The small, funny scenes and subtle extras, created with care and attention, make the anime even better than the original version! I have to admit that at first I was hesitant about this series, since I'm not the biggest romance/ yaoi fan. Yet, everything turned out fine and I eventually liked it, considering the fact that it's well-made, relaxing and full of music. So, cheers to that!
In conclusion, 2019 was a year full of anime that worth your time. New entries or continuations and a variety of different genres to choose from, make this year something to remember. So, hurry up and watch your favorite title of this list!
