Anime back in the 2010s showcased how shows can pull viewers into captivating worlds, catch their heartstrings with emotional tales, and amaze the eyes with a feast of amazing fight scenes. As a result, some shows in the 2010s helped dictate the course of anime released today.
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Thankfully,the wonders of online streamingmake it easy for viewers to catch up to some of the best anime of the previous decade. Those who want to look back at shows from the past should make sure to not miss out on some of the most iconic of them all.
Updated July 12, 2025 by Rhenn Taguiam:The decade of 2010 marked some of the most exciting times for anime, debuting some unforgettable gems that some otaku consider as must-watches for any fan. Among these series are original concepts that gained enough traction to spawn their own sequels, spin-offs, or even become ongoing anime altogether.
These anime include a battle royale among heroic spirits, the adventures of an investigative unit in a high-tech dystopia, the story of a volleyball team, a Gundam story featuring young mercenaries, and the legend of an unsung hero with a devastatingly powerful fist.
15Fate/Zero (2011-2012)
Fans oftheFateseriesknow there’s more to the Holy Grail War than a battle royale for a simple wish. During its release in 2007, theFate/Zerolight novel series finally expanded upon the tragic past of Emiya Kiritsugu, the idolized father figure ofFate/stay nightprotagonist Emiya Shirou, and his larger involvement in the Fuyuki Holy Grail War.
Penned by Gen Urobuchi,Fate/Zeroboasts a much grimmer tone than the modern dark fantasy of the originalFate/stay nightgame. However, what perhaps makesFate/Zerosuch a standout series was Ufotable’s take on stellar graphics and animation that did well to complement its already impressive narrative. Seeing the origins of the likes of Artoria Pendragon and Gilgamesh, as well as the deeper politicking involved in the Holy Grail War, makesFate/Zeroquite a delightfully dark tale to rewatch.
14Psycho-Pass (2012-2013)
Boasting three seasons and a larger media franchise,Psycho-Passhad its humble origins in the form of a 2012 anime. Taking place in the near future, Japan enjoys relative peace through the governance of the Sybil System, with their emotions regularly assessed.Psycho-Passshares the tale of novice officer Akane Tsunemori and her membership within the Criminal Investigation Division, the office responsible for dealing with citizens who develop a propensity for violence under the belt of the Sybil System.
Again written by the stellar mind of Gen Urobuchi,Psycho-Passstarts as a crime thriller set in a cyberpunk dystopia. Taking cues fromGhost In The Shell,Psycho-Passeventually branches out to reveal a much larger conspiracy involving the Sybil System that can break the peace in Japan as they know it.
13Haikyu!! (2014-2020)
Coming from a manga that lasted for eight years,Haikyu!!boasts the prestige of beingone of the best sports anime of the decade - if not, of all time. The anime showcases the growth of Hinata Shoyo as he becomes obsessed with volleyball. The series shows his adventures as a member of the Karasuno High School Volleyball Club and his growth both as a player and a person at large.
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With an anime spanning four seasons with four OVAs,Haikyu!!remains an experience to behold, especially for fans that essentially grew up with Hinata throughout the course of the anime. Its splendid take on fluid volleyball matches and delightful story arcs makeHaikyu!!worth a rewatch.
12Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans (2016-2018)
Once only known as Project G-Tekketsu (Iron-Blood of G),Iron-Blooded Orphansserves as one of the most iconic standaloneGundamseries to grace the franchise. Set in the new Post Disaster Era,Iron-Blooded Orphansfollows the adventures of childhood friends Mikazuki Augus and Orga Itsuka, both young men serving in a private security company. When their revolt results in stumbling upon a rare mobile suit called Gundam Barbatos, the pair and their friends soon enter a conflict that spirals out of control.
Unlike otherGundamanime,Iron-Blooded Orphansis rather more straightforward and down-to-earth. There’s no grandiose “larger plot” at hand, and Gundams are much rarer to spot compared to other series. Fans who want a new take on theGundamexperience away from typical large-scale wars will appreciate the more serious but equally-appealing atmosphere inIron-Blooded Orphans.
11One-Punch Man (2015-2019)
Albeit with an ongoing manga,One-Punch Mandid receive a short stint for an anime adaptation, and it’s been quite the hilarious adventure to behold. The anime loosely follows the plot of the first part of the manga, where Saitama of City Z is arguably the strongest superhero in the world but is equally collectively ignored by the masses. At its core,Saitama has comically trained himselfto the point where most threats - even extra-powerful aliens - get decimated with a single one of his punches.
And while he’s effectively OP, Saitama andOne-Punch Manstill manage to provide audiences with quite the pleasant experience. Anime fans who want a series that parodies most superhero trends will love the approach ofOne-Punch Man.
10Puella Magi Madoka Magica (2011)
When Madoka Kaname stumbles upon a supernatural creature, it offers a supernatural contract to endow her with powers to save the world from surreal enemies known as Witches. Soon, Madoka gets thrust into a life of a magical girl alongside her other friends. Unfortunately for them, they soon discover that undertaking that supernatural contract has prices for them to pay.
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Unlike other magical girl stories,Puella Magi Madoka Magicasubverts the entire genreand creates an incredible viewing experience that will not be forgotten.
9Steins;Gate (2011)
Perhaps one of the genre definers of time travel anime,Steins;Gateeasily fits the bill as one of 2010s unforgettable anime. In it, self-proclaimed mad scientist Hououin Kyouma (real name Okabe Rintaro) accidentally discovers a way to send messages back in time. However, his simple experiments slowly change his present and affect the lives of his closest friends.
Based on a popular visual novel,Steins;Gategives sci-fi fans a compelling take of the time travel concept. Moreover, the anime tugs into the heartstrings of conspiracy fans with a ton of callbacks to popular concepts. These include tropes connected to secret organizations, mysterious internet phenomena, and the harsh consequences of toying with time.
8Carole & Tuesday (2019)
Music has a unique ability to bring people together, and nothing demonstrates this better thanCarole & Tuesday. Inthis sci-fi music story, runaway Mars resident Tuesday Simmons stumbles upon Earthling refugee Carole Stanley and the two instantly bond over their mutual love of music. Whereas Carole likes playing the piano, Tuesday wants to become a guitarist. Together, the two decide to form the singer-songwriter duo, aptly named Carol & Tuesday.
Despite its rather chill story set in terraformed Mars,Carol & Tuesdayboasts quite a memorable cast, unique tales, and a rather amazing soundtrack. People who want an inspirational pair to look up to can check outCarol & Tuesdayto get that energy they need to take on the world’s challenges.
7Megalo Box (2018)
In celebration ofAshita no Joe’s 50th anniversary, the boxing animeMegalo Boxbrings the sport into the far future. Now featuring exoskeletons to aid boxers,Megalo Boxfollows Joe and his journey in the Melgalonia tournament to become the world champion. The catch? Joe doesn’t use gears when he enters the ring.
While a lot might notice its reliance on sport story staples, the anime works as a homageto the acclaimedAshita no Joe. while still telling a compelling story.
6Terror In Resonance (2014)
What happens when two teenage boys threaten to blow up Tokyo with a prototype atomic bomb?Terror in Resonanceis exactly this with two boys Nine and Twelve promising to not detonate the bomb only if someone can solve their cryptic riddle. Apparently, Nine and Twelve are survivors of a tragic experiment designed to create human weapons all with Savant syndrome. In turn, the two boys use their extraordinary gifts to expose the secret experiment and the organization behind it.
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Despite its short 11-episode run,Terror in Resonanceearned praise on two fronts. First, its thriller plot definitely strikes an immediate interest. Second, its approach to aesthetics and its look into modern society as a whole makes it an interesting watch today.
