2021 was a great year for anime. If you’re looking for some of the best anime 2021 had to offer, then look no further.

Best Anime of 2021

Anime: Odd Taxi

Genre: Mystery

Studio: OLM, P.I.C.S.

Season: Spring 2021

Episodes: 13

Summary

Eccentric and blunt, the walrus Hiroshi Odokawa lives a relatively normal life. He drives a taxi for a living, and there he meets several unique individuals: the jobless Taichi Kabasawa who is dead-set on going viral, the mysterious nurse Miho Shirakawa, the struggling comedic duo “Homo Sapiens,” and Dobu, a well-known delinquent.

But Odokawa’s simple way of life is about to be turned upside-down. The case of a missing girl the police have been tracking leads back to him, and now both the yakuza and a duo of corrupt cops are on his tail. Set in a strangely familiar city filled with unusual individuals, Odd Taxi is a bizarre story about a humble taxi driver and the mystery of a lost high schooler.

via MyAnimeList

Honorable Mention: Attack on Titan: Final Season

Best Animation of 2021

Anime: Takt Op. Destiny

Genre: Action, Fantasy

Studio: MAPPA, Madhouse

Season: Fall 2021

Episodes: 12

Summary

The United States of America has been in chaos ever since the emergence of D2s, an invasive species originating from a black meteorite that fell to Earth. A public decree banned citizens from playing any melodies, to prevent further casualties caused by the D2s’ hatred for music—even now, in 2047, this prohibition is still in effect. Humanity’s only form of defense against the D2s are Musicarts, young women representing pieces of classical music; and Conductors, the ones controlling them.

Takt Asahina, an aloof piano prodigy, finds himself transformed into a Conductor following a spontaneous D2 attack. The same incident kills Anna Schneider’s younger sister, Cosette, and brings Takt into contact with his Musicart, Destiny. Searching for a means of stabilizing the pact between themselves, Takt and Destiny—alongside Anna—embark on a perilous journey to the Symphonica Headquarters in New York City.

Takt is in a hurry to reach the city so that he can play the piano again, even though his passion attracts the creatures he has come to despise. Meanwhile, Destiny’s sense of duty drags the group into trouble along the way. With a D2-infested path and many more arduous obstacles ahead of them, will the trio make it to New York City in one piece?

via MyAnimeList

Honorable Mention: Wonder Egg Priority

 Best Anime Story of 2021

Anime: Ousama Ranking

Genre: Adventure, Fantasy

Studio: Wit Studio

Season: Fall 2021

Episodes: 23

Summary

The people of the kingdom look down on the young Prince Bojji, who can neither hear nor speak. They call him “The Useless Prince” while jeering at his supposed foolishness.

However, while Bojji may not be physically strong, he is certainly not weak of heart. When a chance encounter with a shadow creature should have left him traumatized, it instead makes him believe that he has found a friend amidst those who only choose to notice his shortcomings. He starts meeting with Kage, the shadow, regularly, to the point where even the otherwise abrasive creature begins to warm up to him.

Kage and Bojji’s unlikely friendship lays the budding foundations of the prince’s journey, one where he intends to conquer his fears and insecurities. Despite the constant ridicule he faces, Bojji resolves to fulfill his desire of becoming the best king he can be.

via MyAnimeList

Honorable Mention: Attack on Titan: Final Season

 Best Anime Fight of 2021

Rengoku vs Akaza

Anime: Kimetsu no Yaiba: Mugen Ressha-hen

Genre: Action, Fantasy

Studio: ufotable

Season: Fall 2021

Episodes: 7

Summary

A mysterious string of disappearances on a certain train has caught the attention of the Demon Slayer Corps, and they have sent one of their best to exterminate what can only be a demon responsible. However, the plan to board the Mugen Train is delayed by a lesser demon who is terrorizing the mechanics and targeting a kind, elderly woman and her granddaughter. Kyoujurou Rengoku, the Flame Pillar, must eliminate the threat before boarding the train.

Sent to assist the Pillar, Tanjirou Kamado, Inosuke Hashibira, and Zenitsu Agatsuma enter the train prepared to fight. But their monstrous target already has a devious plan in store for them and the two hundred passengers: by delving deep into their consciousness, the demon intends to obliterate everyone in a stunning display of the power held by the Twelve Demon Moons.

via MyAnimeList

 Best Anime Moment of 2021

Eren’s Declaration of War

Anime: Attack on Titan: The Final Season

Genre: Action, Military, Mystery, Super Power, Drama, Fantasy, Shounen

Studio: MAPPA

Season: Winter 2021

Episodes: 16

Summary

Gabii Braun and Falco Grice have been training their entire lives to inherit one of the seven titans under Marley’s control and aid their nation in eradicating the Eldians on Paradis. However, just as all seems well for the two cadets, their peace is suddenly shaken by the arrival of Eren Yeager and the remaining members of the Survey Corps.

Having finally reached the Yeager family basement and learned about the dark history surrounding the titans, the Survey Corps has at long last found the answer they so desperately fought to uncover. With the truth now in their hands, the group set out for the world beyond the walls.

In Shingeki no Kyojin: The Final Season, two utterly different worlds collide as each party pursues its own agenda in the long-awaited conclusion to Paradis’ fight for freedom.

via MyAnimeList

Best Drama Anime of 2021

Anime: Wonder Egg Priority

Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Psychological

Studio: CloverWorks

Season: Winter 2021

Episodes: 12

Summary

Following the suicide of her best and only friend, Koito Nagase, Ai Ooto is left grappling with her new reality. With nothing left to live for, she follows the instructions of a mysterious entity and gets roped into purchasing an egg, or specifically, a Wonder Egg.

Upon breaking the egg in a world that materializes during her sleep, Ai is tasked with saving people from the adversities that come their way. In doing so, she believes that she has moved one step closer to saving her best friend. With this dangerous yet tempting opportunity in the palms of her hands, Ai enters a place where she must recognize the relationship between other people’s demons and her own.

As past trauma, unforgettable regrets, and innate fears hatch in the bizarre world of Wonder Egg Priority, a young girl discovers the different inner struggles tormenting humankind and rescues them from their worst fears.

via MyAnimeList

Honorable Mention: Beastars 2nd Season

Best Slice of Life Anime of 2021

Anime: Yuru Camp Season 2

Genre: Slice of Life

Studio: C-Station

Season: Spring 2021

Episodes: 13

Summary

Having spent Christmas camping with her new friends, Rin Shima embarks on a solo-camping trip to see the New Year sunrise by the sea. All goes according to plan until unforeseen weather blocks the roads back home, making a return trip impossible. Rin, who is now stranded for a few days, is invited by Nadeshiko Kagamihara to stay at her grandmother’s house.

What is supposed to be a two-day trip becomes an extended period of sightseeing and new experiences for Rin, and she encounters some new and old faces along the way. Yuru Camp△ Season 2 continues the story of Rin, Nadeshiko, and their friends as they further explore the joys of camping.

via MyAnimeList

Honorable Mention: Non Non Biyori Nonstop

Best Mystery Anime of 2021

Anime: Odd Taxi

Genre: Mystery

Studio: OLM, P.I.C.S.

Season: Spring 2021

Episodes: 13

Summary

Eccentric and blunt, the walrus Hiroshi Odokawa lives a relatively normal life. He drives a taxi for a living, and there he meets several unique individuals: the jobless Taichi Kabasawa who is dead-set on going viral, the mysterious nurse Miho Shirakawa, the struggling comedic duo “Homo Sapiens,” and Dobu, a well-known delinquent.

But Odokawa’s simple way of life is about to be turned upside-down. The case of a missing girl the police have been tracking leads back to him, and now both the yakuza and a duo of corrupt cops are on his tail. Set in a strangely familiar city filled with unusual individuals, Odd Taxi is a bizarre story about a humble taxi driver and the mystery of a lost high schooler.

via MyAnimeList

Honorable Mention: Yuukoku no Moriarty Part 2

Best Psychological Anime of 2021

Anime: ReZero 2nd Season

Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Psychological, Thriller

Studio: White Fox

Season: Winter 2021

Episodes: 12

Summary

After a stern yet compelling speech by Otto, Subaru Natsuki solemnly swears that he will successfully make it through this timeline and save everyone he can along the way. The first step toward achieving this goal is to help Emilia work through her past; however, that is easier said than done. Feeling as if she has been lied to by everyone around her, it will be difficult for Emilia to trust anyone, even Subaru, her self-proclaimed knight.

Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu 2nd Season Part 2 presents the culmination of Subaru’s experiences with the Sanctuary and its people, along with his unwillingness to give up hope on saving them.

via MyAnimeList

Honorable Mention: Wonder Egg Priority

Best Romance Anime of 2021

Anime: Horimiya

Genre: Romance

Studio: CloverWorks

Season: Winter 2021

Episodes: 13

Summary

On the surface, the thought of Kyouko Hori and Izumi Miyamura getting along would be the last thing in people’s minds. After all, Hori has a perfect combination of beauty and brains, while Miyamura appears meek and distant to his fellow classmates. However, a fateful meeting between the two lays both of their hidden selves bare. Even though she is popular at school, Hori has little time to socialize with her friends due to housework. On the other hand, Miyamura lives under the noses of his peers, his body bearing secret tattoos and piercings that make him look like a gentle delinquent.

Having opposite personalities yet sharing odd similarities, the two quickly become friends and often spend time together in Hori’s home. As they both emerge from their shells, they share with each other a side of themselves concealed from the outside world.

via MyAnimeList

Honorable Mention: Fruits Basket: The Final

Best Comedy Anime of 2021

Anime: Mairimashita! Iruma-kun 2nd Season

Genre: Comedy, Fantasy, Supernatural

Studio: Bandai Namco Pictures

Season: Spring 2021

Episodes: 21

Summary

After many trials and tribulations, Iruma Suzuki is finally happily living among demons despite having to hide his true identity as a human. Even more so, he has now found his ambition in life: keep ranking up in this world!

However, that plan is halted when Iruma’s club is temporarily dismissed, and he is forced to be part of the student council, known for its strictness toward rowdy students. Its cold-hearted president is Amelie Azazel, Iruma’s friend. Although Iruma is not used to following their rigid schedule and many rules, he still wants to prove himself and help Amelie alongside all of the other members of the council.

But trouble arises when Amelie’s personality completely changes due to strange circumstances, putting the student council’s reputation in jeopardy. Will Iruma be able to save them and avoid having the whole school turn into pure chaos?

via MyAnimeList

Honorable Mention: Ijiranaide, Nagatoro-san

Best Sci-Fi Anime of 2021

Anime: Vivy: Fluorite Eye’s Song

Genre: Action, Sci-Fi, Suspense

Studio: Wit Studio

Season: Spring 2021

Episodes: 13

Summary

When highly evolved AIs set out to eradicate mankind, the carnage that ensues fills the air with the stench of fresh blood and burning bodies. In a desperate bid to prevent the calamity from ever occurring, a scientist bets everything on a remnant from the past.

Turning the clock back a hundred years, AIs are already an integral part of human society, programmed with specific missions meant to be carried out for their entire course of operation. Vivy, the first ever autonomous AI, is a songstress tasked with spreading happiness through her voice. In a theme park where she hardly ever gets a proper audience, she strives to pour her heart out into her performances, bound to repeat it day after day—that is, until an advanced AI from the future appears before her and enlists her help in stopping a devastating war a hundred years in the making. With no time to process the revelation that flips her world upside down, Vivy is catapulted into a century-long journey to avert the violent history yet to come.

via MyAnimeList

Honorable Mention: Night Head 2041

Best Adventure Anime of 2021

Anime: Fumetsu no Anata e

Genre: Adventure, Drama, Supernatural

Studio: Brain’s Base

Season: Spring 2021

Episodes: 20

Summary

An Orb, known only as It, is cast to Earth to be observed from afar. Capable of changing forms from beings whose reflections It captures, It first becomes a rock and then, due to the rising temperature, moss.

It does not move until one snowy day, a wolf at death’s door barely crosses by. When It takes the animal’s form, It attains awareness of its consciousness and starts to wander with an unclear destination in mind. Soon, It comes across the wolf’s master—a young boy waiting for his tribe to return from a paradise abundant with fish and fruit in the south. Although the boy is lonely, he still hopes those whom he holds dear in his memories have not forgotten him and that he will reunite with them one day.

The boy wants to explore new surroundings and decides to abandon his home with It to find the paradise using the traces his tribe left behind. However, with a heavily injured body and no sight of his elder comrades, what will become of the boy?

Fumetsu no Anata e illustrates the story of an immortal being experiencing humanity, meeting all types of people in many places throughout time.

via MyAnimeList

Honorable Mention: Ousama Ranking

Best Supernatural Anime of 2021

Anime: Vanitas no Karte

Genre: Supernatural

Studio: BONES

Season: Summer 2021

Episodes: 12

Summary

Scorned by others of his kind for being born under a blue moon, the vampire Vanitas grew afraid and desolate. According to legend, he created a cursed grimoire known as the “Book of Vanitas,” and it is said he would one day use it to bring retribution upon all vampires of the crimson moon.

In 19th century Paris, Noé Archiviste is searching for the fabled Book of Vanitas. Whilst traveling aboard an airship, he is saved from a vampire attack by an eccentric doctor who calls himself Vanitas and carries the very tome he seeks. Ironically, the self-proclaimed vampire specialist is a mere human who inherited both his name and the book from his master, the same Vanitas of legend. As the odd case of the Charlatan’s Parade crops up, the doctor’s ability to restore sanity to vampires by recovering their true name will prove most beneficial.

via MyAnimeList

Honorable Mention: Kemono Jihen

Best Fantasy Anime of 2021

Anime: Ousama Ranking

Genre: Adventure, Fantasy

Studio: Wit Studio

Season: Fall 2021

Episodes: 23

Summary

The people of the kingdom look down on the young Prince Bojji, who can neither hear nor speak. They call him “The Useless Prince” while jeering at his supposed foolishness.

However, while Bojji may not be physically strong, he is certainly not weak of heart. When a chance encounter with a shadow creature should have left him traumatized, it instead makes him believe that he has found a friend amidst those who only choose to notice his shortcomings. He starts meeting with Kage, the shadow, regularly, to the point where even the otherwise abrasive creature begins to warm up to him.

Kage and Bojji’s unlikely friendship lays the budding foundations of the prince’s journey, one where he intends to conquer his fears and insecurities. Despite the constant ridicule he faces, Bojji resolves to fulfill his desire of becoming the best king he can be.

via MyAnimeList

Honorable Mention: Mushoku Tensei: Isekai Ittara Honki Dasu Part 2

 Best Action Anime of 2021

Anime: Kimetsu no Yaiba: Mugen Ressha-hen

Genre: Action, Fantasy

Studio: ufotable

Season: Fall 2021

Episodes: 7

Summary

A mysterious string of disappearances on a certain train has caught the attention of the Demon Slayer Corps, and they have sent one of their best to exterminate what can only be a demon responsible. However, the plan to board the Mugen Train is delayed by a lesser demon who is terrorizing the mechanics and targeting a kind, elderly woman and her granddaughter. Kyoujurou Rengoku, the Flame Pillar, must eliminate the threat before boarding the train.

Sent to assist the Pillar, Tanjirou Kamado, Inosuke Hashibira, and Zenitsu Agatsuma enter the train prepared to fight. But their monstrous target already has a devious plan in store for them and the two hundred passengers: by delving deep into their consciousness, the demon intends to obliterate everyone in a stunning display of the power held by the Twelve Demon Moons.

via MyAnimeList

Honorable Mention: Boku no Hero Academia 5th Season

Best Winter Anime of 2021

Anime: Attack on Titan: The Final Season

Genre: Action, Military, Mystery, Super Power, Drama, Fantasy, Shounen

Studio: MAPPA

Season: Winter 2021

Episodes: 16

Summary

Gabii Braun and Falco Grice have been training their entire lives to inherit one of the seven titans under Marley’s control and aid their nation in eradicating the Eldians on Paradis. However, just as all seems well for the two cadets, their peace is suddenly shaken by the arrival of Eren Yeager and the remaining members of the Survey Corps.

Having finally reached the Yeager family basement and learned about the dark history surrounding the titans, the Survey Corps has at long last found the answer they so desperately fought to uncover. With the truth now in their hands, the group set out for the world beyond the walls.

In Shingeki no Kyojin: The Final Season, two utterly different worlds collide as each party pursues its own agenda in the long-awaited conclusion to Paradis’ fight for freedom.

via MyAnimeList

Honorable Mention: That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime Season 2

Best Spring Anime of 2021

Anime: Odd Taxi

Genre: Mystery

Studio: OLM, P.I.C.S.

Season: Spring 2021

Episodes: 13

Summary

Eccentric and blunt, the walrus Hiroshi Odokawa lives a relatively normal life. He drives a taxi for a living, and there he meets several unique individuals: the jobless Taichi Kabasawa who is dead-set on going viral, the mysterious nurse Miho Shirakawa, the struggling comedic duo “Homo Sapiens,” and Dobu, a well-known delinquent.

But Odokawa’s simple way of life is about to be turned upside-down. The case of a missing girl the police have been tracking leads back to him, and now both the yakuza and a duo of corrupt cops are on his tail. Set in a strangely familiar city filled with unusual individuals, Odd Taxi is a bizarre story about a humble taxi driver and the mystery of a lost high schooler.

via MyAnimeList

Honorable Mention: Vivy: Fluorite Eye’s Song

Best Summer Anime of 2021

Anime: Heion Sedai no Idaten-tachi

Genre: Adventure, Fantasy

Studio: MAPPA

Season: Summer 2021

Episodes: 11

Summary

Eight hundred years ago, terrifying demons threatened mankind’s existence. On the brink of extinction, humans prayed to their gods, calling out for someone to save them. Emerging from these desperate pleas for salvation, battle deities known as the “Idaten” were born. Possessing unnatural strength and endurance, the Idaten managed to defeat the demons and an era of unprecedented peace was finally ushered in.

Having never encountered demons before, the present generation of Idaten knows nothing of the demon’s brutality, but they have instead only lived a peaceful existence. Training under Rin, the only remaining Idaten from 800 years ago, the new Idaten find ways to survive in a time where they have seemingly outlived their usefulness. However, when the tyrannical Zoble Empire resurrects a demon, the misfit crop of gods are called to the battlefield against their natural enemy once more.

via MyAnimeList

Honorable Mention: Tensei shitara Slime Datta Ken 2nd Season

Part 2

Best Fall Anime of 2021

Anime: Ousama Ranking

Genre: Adventure, Fantasy

Studio: Wit Studio

Season: Fall 2021

Episodes: 23

Summary

The people of the kingdom look down on the young Prince Bojji, who can neither hear nor speak. They call him “The Useless Prince” while jeering at his supposed foolishness.

However, while Bojji may not be physically strong, he is certainly not weak of heart. When a chance encounter with a shadow creature should have left him traumatized, it instead makes him believe that he has found a friend amidst those who only choose to notice his shortcomings. He starts meeting with Kage, the shadow, regularly, to the point where even the otherwise abrasive creature begins to warm up to him.

Kage and Bojji’s unlikely friendship lays the budding foundations of the prince’s journey, one where he intends to conquer his fears and insecurities. Despite the constant ridicule he faces, Bojji resolves to fulfill his desire of becoming the best king he can be.

via MyAnimeList

Honorable Mention: 86 Part 2

Best Anime Ending Song of 2021

Best Underrated Anime of 2021

Anime: Heion Sedai no Idaten-tachi

Genre: Adventure, Fantasy

Studio: MAPPA

Season: Summer 2021

Episodes: 11

Summary

Eight hundred years ago, terrifying demons threatened mankind’s existence. On the brink of extinction, humans prayed to their gods, calling out for someone to save them. Emerging from these desperate pleas for salvation, battle deities known as the “Idaten” were born. Possessing unnatural strength and endurance, the Idaten managed to defeat the demons and an era of unprecedented peace was finally ushered in.

Having never encountered demons before, the present generation of Idaten knows nothing of the demon’s brutality, but they have instead only lived a peaceful existence. Training under Rin, the only remaining Idaten from 800 years ago, the new Idaten find ways to survive in a time where they have seemingly outlived their usefulness. However, when the tyrannical Zoble Empire resurrects a demon, the misfit crop of gods are called to the battlefield against their natural enemy once more.

via MyAnimeList