2022 was a blockbuster year for anime. If you’re looking for some of the best anime 2022 had to offer, then look no further.

Best Anime of 2022

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

Honorable Mention: Made in Abyss: Retsujitsu no Ougonkyou

Best Animation of 2022

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

Honorable Mention: Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Entertainment District

 Best Anime Story of 2022

Attack on Titan: The Final Season Part 2

Genre: Action, Drama

Studio: MAPPA

Season: Winter 2022

Episodes: 12

Introduction

Turning against his former allies and enemies alike, Eren Yeager sets a disastrous plan in motion. Under the guidance of the Beast Titan, Zeke, Eren takes extreme measures to end the ancient conflict between Marley and Eldia—but his true intentions remain a mystery. Delving deep into his family’s past, Eren fights to control his own destiny.

Meanwhile, the long-feuding nations of Marley and Eldia utilize both soldiers and Titans in a brutal race to eliminate the other. Reiner Braun uses his own powers in a desperate bid to hold off Eren’s own militaristic force, and his fellow Eldians—children Falco Grice and Gabi Braun—struggle to survive in the unfolding chaos.

Elsewhere, Eren’s childhood friends Mikasa Ackerman and Armin Arlert remain imprisoned alongside Eren’s former Survey Corps companions, all disturbed by Eren’s monstrous transformation. Under the blind belief that Eren still secretly harbors good intentions, Mikasa and the others enter the fray in an attempt to save their friend’s very soul.

via MyAnimeList

Honorable Mention: Made in Abyss: Retsujitsu no Ougonkyou

 Best Anime Fight of 2022

Tengen Uzui and Tanjiro vs Gyutaro

Anime: Kimetsu no Yaiba: Yuukaku-hen

Genre: Action, Fantasy

Studio: ufotable

Season: Winter 2022

Episodes: 11

Summary

The devastation of the Mugen Train incident still weighs heavily on the members of the Demon Slayer Corps. Despite being given time to recover, life must go on, as the wicked never sleep: a vicious demon is terrorizing the alluring women of the Yoshiwara Entertainment District. The Sound Hashira, Tengen Uzui, and his three wives are on the case. However, when he soon loses contact with his spouses, Tengen fears the worst and enlists the help of Tanjirou Kamado, Zenitsu Agatsuma, and Inosuke Hashibira to infiltrate the district’s most prominent houses and locate the depraved Upper Rank Demon.

via MyAnimeList

 Best Anime Moment of 2022

Eren Starts The Rumbling

Anime: Attack on Titan: The Final Season Part 2

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

Studio: MAPPA

Season: Winter 2022

Episodes: 12

Summary

Turning against his former allies and enemies alike, Eren Yeager sets a disastrous plan in motion. Under the guidance of the Beast Titan, Zeke, Eren takes extreme measures to end the ancient conflict between Marley and Eldia—but his true intentions remain a mystery. Delving deep into his family’s past, Eren fights to control his own destiny.

Meanwhile, the long-feuding nations of Marley and Eldia utilize both soldiers and Titans in a brutal race to eliminate the other. Reiner Braun uses his own powers in a desperate bid to hold off Eren’s own militaristic force, and his fellow Eldians—children Falco Grice and Gabi Braun—struggle to survive in the unfolding chaos.

Elsewhere, Eren’s childhood friends Mikasa Ackerman and Armin Arlert remain imprisoned alongside Eren’s former Survey Corps companions, all disturbed by Eren’s monstrous transformation. Under the blind belief that Eren still secretly harbors good intentions, Mikasa and the others enter the fray in an attempt to save their friend’s very soul.

via MyAnimeList

Best Drama Anime of 2022

Attack on Titan: The Final Season Part 2

Genre: Action, Drama

Studio: MAPPA

Season: Winter 2022

Episodes: 12

Introduction

Turning against his former allies and enemies alike, Eren Yeager sets a disastrous plan in motion. Under the guidance of the Beast Titan, Zeke, Eren takes extreme measures to end the ancient conflict between Marley and Eldia—but his true intentions remain a mystery. Delving deep into his family’s past, Eren fights to control his own destiny.

Meanwhile, the long-feuding nations of Marley and Eldia utilize both soldiers and Titans in a brutal race to eliminate the other. Reiner Braun uses his own powers in a desperate bid to hold off Eren’s own militaristic force, and his fellow Eldians—children Falco Grice and Gabi Braun—struggle to survive in the unfolding chaos.

Elsewhere, Eren’s childhood friends Mikasa Ackerman and Armin Arlert remain imprisoned alongside Eren’s former Survey Corps companions, all disturbed by Eren’s monstrous transformation. Under the blind belief that Eren still secretly harbors good intentions, Mikasa and the others enter the fray in an attempt to save their friend’s very soul.

via MyAnimeList

Honorable Mention: Made in Abyss: Retsujitsu no Ougonkyou

Best Mystery Anime of 2022

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

Honorable Mention: Human Bug Daigaku

Best Romance Anime of 2022

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

Honorable Mention: Yofukashi no Uta

Best Comedy Anime of 2022

Isekai Ojisan

Genre: Comedy, Fantasy

Studio: AtelierPontdarc

Season: Summer 2022

Episodes: 13

Summary

After a fatal encounter with a truck, Takafumi Takaoka’s uncle, Yousuke “Ojisan” Shibazaki, lies comatose for 17 years. When he finally regains consciousness, Ojisan begins to ramble in a foreign tongue and reveals that he had been transported to a magical world called Gran Bahamal. Takafumi dismisses his uncle’s claims as nonsense until an incantation makes a cup of water hover in the air. In a flash of brilliance, the pair creates a YouTube channel to showcase Ojisan’s magical abilities.

The responsibility now falls on Takafumi’s shoulders to acquaint Ojisan with everything that has transpired during his absence, including getting him up to speed with the internet, new technology, and surprisingly, the outcome of the ’90s console war—the result of which was especially distressing for a hardcore SEGA fan. With Ojisan’s wisdom from his other world experiences, they grow their YouTube channel and tackle online comments and trolls. The journey of this uncle-nephew duo promises to be anything but conventional.

via MyAnimeList

Honorable Mention: Spy x Family

Best Sci-Fi Anime of 2022

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

Honorable Mention: Sabikui Bisco

Best Adventure Anime of 2022

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

Honorable Mention: Golden Kamuy 4th Season

Best Supernatural Anime of 2022

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

Honorable Mention: Mob Psycho 100 III

Best Fantasy Anime of 2022

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

Honorable Mention: Kage no Jitsuryokusha ni Naritakute!

 Best Action Anime of 2022

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Entertainment District

Genre: Action, Fantasy

Studio: ufotable

Season: Winter 2022

Episodes: 12

Introduction

The devastation of the Mugen Train incident still weighs heavily on the members of the Demon Slayer Corps. Despite being given time to recover, life must go on, as the wicked never sleep: a vicious demon is terrorizing the alluring women of the Yoshiwara Entertainment District. The Sound Pillar, Tengen Uzui, and his three wives are on the case. However, when he soon loses contact with his spouses, Tengen fears the worst and enlists the help of Tanjirou Kamado, Zenitsu Agatsuma, and Inosuke Hashibira to infiltrate the district’s most prominent houses and locate the depraved Upper Rank demon.

via MyAnimeList

Honorable Mention: Boku no Hero Academia 6th Season

Best Winter Anime of 2022

Attack on Titan: The Final Season Part 2

Genre: Action, Drama, Suspense

Studio: MAPPA

Season: Winter 2022

Episodes: 12

Introduction

Turning against his former allies and enemies alike, Eren Yeager sets a disastrous plan in motion. Under the guidance of the Beast Titan, Zeke, Eren takes extreme measures to end the ancient conflict between Marley and Eldia—but his true intentions remain a mystery. Delving deep into his family’s past, Eren fights to control his own destiny.

Meanwhile, the long-feuding nations of Marley and Eldia utilize both soldiers and Titans in a brutal race to eliminate the other. Reiner Braun uses his own powers in a desperate bid to hold off Eren’s own militaristic force, and his fellow Eldians—children Falco Grice and Gabi Braun—struggle to survive in the unfolding chaos.

Elsewhere, Eren’s childhood friends Mikasa Ackerman and Armin Arlert remain imprisoned alongside Eren’s former Survey Corps companions, all disturbed by Eren’s monstrous transformation. Under the blind belief that Eren still secretly harbors good intentions, Mikasa and the others enter the fray in an attempt to save their friend’s very soul.

via MyAnimeList

Honorable Mention: Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Entertainment District

Best Spring Anime of 2022

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

Honorable Mention: Spy x Family

Best Summer Anime of 2022

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

Honorable Mention: Lycoris Recoil

Best Fall Anime of 2021

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

Honorable Mention: Chainsaw Man

Best Anime Ending Song of 2022