Top Anime of 2022
2022 was a great year for anime. Fall, in particular, was loaded with tons of good anime. Spring was also a standout season.
Here are the top 10 anime of 2022:
10. Spy x Family
Genre: Action, Comedy
Studio: Wit Studio, CloverWorks
Season: Spring 2022
Episodes: 12
Introduction
Corrupt politicians, frenzied nationalists, and other warmongering forces constantly jeopardize the thin veneer of peace between neighboring countries Ostania and Westalis. In spite of their plots, renowned spy and master of disguise “Twilight” fulfills dangerous missions one after another in the hope that no child will have to experience the horrors of war.
In the bustling Ostanian city of Berlint, Twilight dons the alias of “Loid Forger,” an esteemed psychiatrist. However, his true intention is to gather intelligence on prominent politician Donovan Desmond, who only appears rarely in public at his sons’ school: the prestigious Eden Academy. Enlisting the help of unmarried city hall clerk Yor Briar to act as his wife and adopting the curious six-year-old orphan Anya as his daughter, Loid enacts his master plan. He will enroll Anya in Eden Academy, where Loid hopes she will excel and give him the opportunity to meet Donovan without arousing suspicion.
Unfortunately for Loid, even a man of his talents has trouble playing the figure of a loving father and husband. And just like Loid is hiding his true identity, Yor—who is an underground assassin known as “Thorn Princess”—and Anya—an esper who can read people’s minds—have no plans to disclose their own secrets either. Although this picture-perfect family is founded on deception, the Forgers gradually come to understand that the love they share for one another trumps all else.
via MyAnimeList
9. Kaguya-sama wa Kokurasetai: Ultra Romantic
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Studio: A-1 Pictures
Season: Spring 2022
Episodes: 13
Introduction
The elite members of Shuchiin Academy’s student council continue their competitive day-to-day antics. Council president Miyuki Shirogane clashes daily against vice-president Kaguya Shinomiya, each fighting tooth and nail to trick the other into confessing their romantic love. Kaguya struggles within the strict confines of her wealthy, uptight family, rebelling against her cold default demeanor as she warms to Shirogane and the rest of her friends.
Meanwhile, council treasurer Yuu Ishigami suffers under the weight of his hopeless crush on Tsubame Koyasu, a popular upperclassman who helps to instill a new confidence in him. Miko Iino, the newest student council member, grows closer to the rule-breaking Ishigami while striving to overcome her own authoritarian moral code.
As love further blooms at Shuchiin Academy, the student council officers drag their outsider friends into increasingly comedic conflicts.
via MyAnimeList
8. Lycoris Recoil
Genre: Action
Studio: A-1 Pictures
Season: Summer 2022
Episodes: 13
Introduction
The number of terrorist acts in Japan has never been lower, thanks to the efforts of a syndicate called Direct Attack (DA). The organization raises orphaned girls as killers to carry out assassinations under their “Lycoris” program. Takina Inoue is an exceptional Lycoris with a strong sense of purpose and a penchant for perfection. Unfortunately, a hostage situation tests her patience, and the resulting act of insubordination leads to her transfer out of DA. Not thrilled about losing the only place she belonged to, she reluctantly arrives at her new base of operations—LycoReco, a cafe in disguise.
Takina’s new partner, however, turns out to be quite different from what she imagined. Despite being the famed Lycoris prodigy, Chisato Nishikigi appears almost unconcerned with her duties. She drags Takina along on all kinds of odd jobs under the simple explanation of helping people in need. Takina is even more puzzled when Chisato takes down a group of armed assailants without killing any of them. Feeling like a fish out of water, Takina itches to get reinstated into DA—but Chisato is determined to prove to her that there is more to a life than just taking them.
via MyAnimeList
7. Chainsaw Man
Genre: Action, Fantasy
Studio: MAPPA
Season: Fall 2022
Episodes: 12
Introduction
Denji is robbed of a normal teenage life, left with nothing but his deadbeat father’s overwhelming debt. His only companion is his pet, the chainsaw devil Pochita, with whom he slays devils for money that inevitably ends up in the yakuza’s pockets. All Denji can do is dream of a good, simple life: one with delicious food and a beautiful girlfriend by his side. But an act of greedy betrayal by the yakuza leads to Denji’s brutal, untimely death, crushing all hope of him ever achieving happiness.
Remarkably, an old contract allows Pochita to merge with the deceased Denji and bestow devil powers on him, changing him into a hybrid able to transform his body parts into chainsaws. Because Denji’s new abilities pose a significant risk to society, the Public Safety Bureau’s elite devil hunter Makima takes him in, letting him live as long as he obeys her command. Guided by the promise of a content life alongside an attractive woman, Denji devotes everything and fights with all his might to make his naive dreams a reality.
via MyAnimeList
6. Fumetsu no Anata e Season 2
Genre: Adventure, Drama, Supernatural
Studio: Drive
Season: Fall 2022
Episodes: 20
Introduction
After seeing enough death and tragedy, the immortal Fushi secludes himself on an island, defending himself from enemy Nokkers. However, instead of attacking Fushi in isolation, Nokkers begin targeting the settlements outside of his reach in hopes of luring him out. Soon, a group known as the Guardians—led by Hisame, the descendant of the deceased warrior Hayase—finds Fushi.
Inspired by how Fushi protected Janada Island from the Nokkers years ago, the Guardians have grown a considerable following and are recognized throughout the world. Initially reluctant, Fushi allows the Guardians to accompany him to the site of the Nokkers’ recent attack. In their village, Fushi meets a few valuable allies, both new and old. But as the conflict with the Nokkers only leads to more loss, Fushi must find the inner strength to face his inevitable sorrow.
via MyAnimeList
5. Golden Kamuy 4th Season
Genre: Action, Adventure
Studio: Brain’s Base
Season: Fall 2022
Episodes: 13
Introduction
The race to obtain the lost Ainu gold is nearing its peak, as even more formidable ex-prisoners are set on keeping their tattooed skins intact. Saichi “The Immortal” Sugimoto and Asirpa can finally move forward together, but Asirpa’s time with Kiroranke and Ogata Hyakunosuke has slightly altered her ambition and strengthened her determination. As their party leaves the Russian territory, they gain a peculiar follower.
Meanwhile, Toshizou Hijikata’s crew makes major moves to get invaluable skins, falling into the poisonous trap of a dangerous convict. Although each group possesses a strong advantage over the others, even First Lieutenant Tokushirou Tsurumi—the most powerful and ruthless contender—cannot advance without Asirpa’s help. However, his ominous plans for when they will inevitably meet remain a mystery.
via MyAnimeList
4. Mob Psycho 100 III
Genre: Action, Comedy, Supernatural
Studio: BONES
Season: Fall 2022
Episodes: 12
Introduction
After foiling a world-threatening plot, Shigeo “Mob” Kageyama returns to tackle the more exhausting aspects of his mundane life—starting with filling out his school’s nerve-racking career form. Meanwhile, he continues to assist his mentor Arataka Reigen and the office’s new recruit, Katsuya Serizawa, in solving paranormal cases of their clients. While continuing his duties, Mob also works on gaining more independence in his esper and human lives, as well as trying to integrate better with the people around him.
However, new supernatural and ordinary challenges test Mob’s emotional stability and force him to confront the realities around him. As he strives to continue forward on the path to maturity, Mob must resolve his emotional crises and reassess the naivety he has held on for so long.
via MyAnimeList
3. Cyberpunk: Edgerunners
Genre: Action, Organized Crime
Studio: Trigger
Season: Summer 2022
Episodes: 10
Introduction
Dreams are doomed to die in Night City, a futuristic Californian metropolis. As a teenager living in the city’s slums, David Martinez is trying to fulfill his mother’s lifelong wish for him to reach the top of Arasaka, the world’s leading security corporation. To this end, he attends the prestigious Arasaka Academy while his mother works tirelessly to keep their family afloat.
When an incident with a street gang leaves David’s life in tatters, he stumbles upon Sandevistan cyberware—a prosthetic that grants its wearer superhuman speed. Fueled by rage, David implants the device in his back, using it to exact revenge on one of his tormentors. This gets him expelled from the academy, shattering his hopes of ever making his mother proud.
After witnessing David’s newfound abilities, the beautiful data thief Lucyna “Lucy” Kushinada offers to team up with him, handing him a ticket to salvation. However, associating with Lucy introduces David to the world of Edgerunners—cyborg criminals who will break any law for money. Edgerunners often lose their lives, if the cyberware does not break their minds first; but in his fight for survival inside a corrupt system, David is ready to risk it all.
via MyAnimeList
2. Made in Abyss: Retsujitsu no Ougonkyou
Genre: Adventure, Drama, Fantasy, Mystery, Sci-Fi
Studio: Kinema Citrus
Season: Summer 2022
Episodes: 12
Introduction
After surviving the brutal challenges of Idofront, Riko now possesses a White Whistle, allowing her to descend into the Abyss’s sixth layer—The Capital of the Unreturned. Alongside Reg and Nanachi, Riko begins to explore the uncharted domain, where the ruins of the promised Golden City are located.
As the trio starts to adapt to the harsh environment, they soon encounter dangerous creatures and treacherous landscapes. Their expedition leads them to a village inhabited by strange beings known as “hollows.” Despite the creeping sense of unease that welcomes them, the three venture onward to uncover the mysteries of the settlement and long-lost legacies of the forgotten adventurers who once descended into the horrors of the unexplored Abyss.
via MyAnimeList
1. Summertime Render
Genre: Mystery, Supernatural, Suspense
Studio: OLM
Season: Spring 2022
Episodes: 25
Introduction
Since the death of his parents, Shinpei Ajiro had lived with the Kofune family and their two daughters—Mio and Ushio. Although he then left his home island to continue his education in Tokyo, Shinpei returns after Ushio tragically drowns during the attempted rescue of a little girl. During the funeral, his best friend informs him about bruises found around Ushio’s neck, casting doubt over the cause of her death.
Suspecting a murder has taken place, Shinpei reevaluates recent events, but strange incidents only continue to transpire. Disappearing people and other unexplainable occurrences lead Mio to recall an old folktale referring to entities called “Shadows,” which may not be entirely fantasy. Supposedly, an encounter with one’s Shadow foretells the person’s impending demise.
Facing the dark side of Hitogashima Island, Shinpei stands against his grim fate to fulfill Ushio’s final will—to protect Mio.
via MyAnimeList
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