Anime Tier List 2023: Ranking The Best Anime Of The Year

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Anime Tier List 2023: Ranking the Best Anime of the Year

Hey anime lovers! Welcome to the ultimate anime tier list 2023! This year has been jam-packed with incredible releases, from heart-stopping action to tear-jerking dramas and side-splitting comedies. We've watched them all (or at least, as many as humanly possible) and are ready to give you our definitive rankings. Whether you're looking for something new to watch or just want to see if your favorite made the cut, you're in the right place. So, grab your snacks, settle in, and let's dive into the best anime of 2023!

What is an Anime Tier List?

Before we jump into the rankings, let's quickly explain what an anime tier list is for those who might be new to the concept. Simply put, a tier list is a way of ranking items (in this case, anime) into different categories based on their overall quality. These categories are usually labeled with letters, such as S, A, B, C, and D, with S being the highest tier and D (or sometimes F) being the lowest. The criteria for ranking can vary, but typically include factors like story, animation, characters, music, and overall enjoyment. Our anime tier list 2023 aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the year's best offerings, helping you make informed decisions about what to watch.

The beauty of a tier list lies in its subjectivity – it's all about personal opinion! While we've tried to be as objective as possible, considering critical reception and popular opinion, ultimately, our rankings reflect our own experiences and preferences. So, feel free to disagree with our choices, and we encourage you to create your own tier lists based on your own tastes. After all, anime is meant to be enjoyed, and there's no right or wrong way to do it.

Also, creating these lists are really fun! It gets you to think about the anime you've watched and what resonated with you the most. So, without further ado, let's get to it.

Our Tier List Criteria

To ensure transparency and clarity, here’s a breakdown of the criteria we used to create our anime tier list 2023:

  • Story: How engaging, original, and well-written is the plot? Are there plot holes or inconsistencies? Does the story keep you hooked from beginning to end?
  • Animation: How visually appealing is the anime? Is the animation fluid and detailed? Does it enhance the overall experience?
  • Characters: Are the characters well-developed and relatable? Do they undergo meaningful growth and change throughout the series? Do they have compelling motivations?
  • Music: How effective is the soundtrack in setting the mood and enhancing emotional impact? Are the opening and ending themes memorable and enjoyable?
  • Overall Enjoyment: This is the most subjective criterion, but it's also the most important. How much did we personally enjoy watching the anime? Did it leave a lasting impression? Would we recommend it to others?

By considering these factors, we’ve strived to create a balanced and informative anime tier list 2023 that accurately reflects the quality and impact of each anime. Now that you know how we arrived at our rankings, let’s get to the good stuff!

Anime Tier List 2023: The Rankings

Alright, guys, buckle up! Here’s our anime tier list 2023, broken down by tier. Remember, these are our opinions, and yours might differ – and that’s totally okay!

S-Tier: Masterpieces

These are the anime that truly stood out this year. They excelled in almost every aspect, leaving a lasting impression and setting a new standard for the genre. These are the must-watch anime of 2023.

  • Vinland Saga Season 2: This season took an already amazing series to new heights. The character development, particularly for Thorfinn, was exceptional. The animation was gorgeous, and the story was both gripping and thought-provoking. Vinland Saga Season 2 is a masterpiece of storytelling and a must-see for any anime fan. The themes explored, such as pacifism, redemption, and the search for meaning in life, were handled with nuance and depth, making it a truly enriching experience. The soundtrack perfectly complemented the emotional weight of the story, and the voice acting was superb. Overall, Vinland Saga Season 2 is a shining example of what anime can achieve when all elements come together in perfect harmony. For those seeking a profound and unforgettable journey, this anime is an absolute must-watch.
  • Attack on Titan: The Final Chapters (Part 1 & 2): The conclusion to this epic saga was nothing short of spectacular. The animation was top-notch, the battles were intense, and the emotional impact was devastating. Attack on Titan stuck the landing, delivering a satisfying (albeit heartbreaking) conclusion to one of the greatest anime of all time. This final installment masterfully tied together all the loose ends, providing closure to long-standing character arcs and resolving the central conflicts of the series. The animation during the action sequences was particularly breathtaking, showcasing the sheer scale and brutality of the war. The emotional weight of the story was palpable, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats until the very end. Attack on Titan: The Final Chapters is a testament to the power of storytelling and a fitting end to a legendary anime.

A-Tier: Excellent

These anime were fantastic, with only minor flaws holding them back from reaching S-tier. They're highly enjoyable and definitely worth your time. These offer something special.

  • Demon Slayer: Swordsmith Village Arc: Demon Slayer continues to deliver stunning visuals and exciting battles. This arc introduced new characters and expanded the world in interesting ways. While the story wasn't as impactful as previous arcs, the animation and action sequences were top-tier, making it a worthwhile watch. The vibrant colors and fluid animation brought the world of Demon Slayer to life in a way that few other anime can match. The introduction of new Hashira and demons added fresh dynamics to the story, keeping viewers engaged and invested. While the plot may have been somewhat less intricate than previous arcs, the sheer spectacle and energy of the battles more than made up for it. Demon Slayer: Swordsmith Village Arc is a visual feast and a thrilling addition to the series.
  • Ranking of Kings: The Treasure Chest of Courage: This collection of side stories expanded on the world and characters of Ranking of Kings, providing heartwarming and insightful moments. While not essential viewing, it's a delightful addition for fans of the series. These side stories delved deeper into the backstories of beloved characters, offering a greater understanding of their motivations and relationships. The animation remained consistent with the high standards set by the original series, and the overall tone was both heartwarming and uplifting. Ranking of Kings: The Treasure Chest of Courage is a charming and worthwhile addition to the franchise, providing fans with a deeper connection to the world and characters they have come to love.

B-Tier: Good

These anime were solid and enjoyable, but they didn't quite reach the heights of the A and S tiers. They're still worth watching if you're looking for something new, but they might not be for everyone.

  • Oshi no Ko: This anime started strong with a compelling mystery and intriguing premise. However, the pacing faltered in the later episodes, and the story became somewhat convoluted. Despite its flaws, Oshi no Ko is still a worthwhile watch for its unique premise and interesting characters. The initial episodes were particularly gripping, drawing viewers into the dark and glamorous world of the entertainment industry. The exploration of themes such as identity, fame, and the exploitation of child performers was both thought-provoking and unsettling. While the pacing may have slowed down in the latter half of the series, the overall impact of Oshi no Ko remains significant. It's a unique and memorable anime that is sure to spark discussion and debate.
  • Heavenly Delusion: This post-apocalyptic series offers a unique blend of mystery, adventure, and horror. The world-building is intriguing, and the characters are compelling. However, the pacing can be slow at times, and the story can be confusing. Despite its flaws, Heavenly Delusion is a worthwhile watch for its originality and atmosphere. The desolate and eerie landscapes of the post-apocalyptic world are beautifully rendered, creating a sense of unease and foreboding. The characters are well-developed, each with their own secrets and motivations. While the story may be complex and require careful attention, the rewards are well worth the effort. Heavenly Delusion is a unique and captivating anime that will stay with you long after you've finished watching it.

C-Tier: Average

These anime were decent, but they didn't offer anything particularly special or memorable. They're fine for killing time, but they're not essential viewing.

  • Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury: While Gundam is a legendary franchise, this entry felt somewhat lackluster. The characters were uninspired, and the story was predictable. However, the mecha designs were cool, and the action sequences were decent. Overall, Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury is a passable entry in the Gundam franchise, but it's not one of the best. The mecha designs were undeniably impressive, showcasing the cutting-edge technology and sleek aesthetics that are characteristic of the Gundam universe. The action sequences were competently executed, providing moments of excitement and spectacle. However, the characters lacked depth and complexity, and the story failed to capture the epic scope and political intrigue that have defined previous Gundam series. Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury is a decent but ultimately unremarkable addition to the franchise.

D-Tier: Disappointing

These anime were simply not good. They suffered from poor writing, bad animation, or uninspired characters. Avoid at all costs!

  • Isekai Smartphone Season 2: This isekai series continues to be a train wreck. The story is bland, the characters are forgettable, and the animation is subpar. Avoid at all costs. Seriously, there are way better isekai anime out there. The plot is riddled with clichés and predictable tropes, and the characters are devoid of personality and depth. The animation is often stiff and uninspired, failing to bring the world to life in a compelling way. Isekai Smartphone Season 2 is a prime example of how not to make an isekai anime. Save your time and energy and explore the vast and varied landscape of the isekai genre for more worthwhile offerings.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it – our anime tier list 2023! It’s been an incredible year for anime, with so many great shows to choose from. Whether you agree with our rankings or not, we hope this list has given you some new anime to check out. Remember, the most important thing is to enjoy what you watch. Happy binging!

What do you guys think of our choices? What would you change? Let us know in the comments below! We're always up for a good anime discussion!

Until next time, happy watching, and stay tuned for more anime content!