Discover the Best Anime of the 2010s That Defined the Decade, including Attack on Titan, Demon Slayer, and more genre-defining hits.
Introduction: The Anime Boom of the 2010s
If the 90s were the golden era of anime, then the 2010s were the global explosion era—the decade when anime fully broke into mainstream culture. This was the period when fans around the world weren’t just watching anime—they were living it. Cosplay, conventions, memes, merchandise, global streaming… the 2010s changed everything.
The decade also delivered some of the most breathtaking, emotionally intense, groundbreaking anime ever made. These weren’t simple shows—they were cultural earthquakes.
The Best Anime of the 2010s That Defined the Decade weren’t just popular. They were influential, innovative, and unforgettable.
Why the 2010s Became a Defining Era in Anime
The 2010s were powered by a perfect storm:
⭐ Streaming transformed accessibility
Crunchyroll, Netflix, Hulu, and Funimation made anime globally available within hours of Japanese releases.
⭐ Animation quality skyrocketed
Studios like Ufotable, MAPPA, and Bones took animation to a new level.
⭐ Genres evolved
Isekai blew up, psychological thrillers deepened, and shonen series reached new creative highs.
⭐ Fandom culture exploded
Memes? Cosplay? TikTok edits? This was the decade anime became universal.
With that energy came masterpieces that shaped the identity of modern anime.
The Top Anime of the 2010s That Shaped the Decade
Time to break down the heavy hitters—the shows that didn’t just entertain but defined anime’s global rise.
Attack on Titan – The Phenomenon That Shook the World
If any series deserves the crown of the 2010s, it’s Attack on Titan.
This anime wasn’t just a hit—it became a cultural titan (pun completely intended). From its chilling opening theme to its brutal plot twists, AoT delivered global shockwaves.
- Its dark themes pulled in mature audiences
- The lore grew deeper every season
- The animation evolved into something cinematic
Eren, Mikasa, Levi—these names became household icons, even among non-anime fans. Few anime in history created such a global frenzy.
My Hero Academia – A Modern Shonen Powerhouse
Love it or nitpick it—My Hero Academia shaped a generation.
With an enormous cast of likable heroes, emotional arcs, and top-tier fight scenes, MHA became the new face of modern shonen.
What made it special?
- Midoriya’s relatable growth
- All Might’s mentor arc
- Villains with real depth
- A school system that actually feels alive
It inspired millions to shout “PLUS ULTRA!” — at highly unnecessary moments.
Demon Slayer – A Cultural Juggernaut
“Demon Slayer” dropped like a bomb in 2019 and rewrote the animation rulebook.
Ufotable’s visuals were so insane that every fight felt like an art exhibit.
Zenitsu’s thunder breathing scene? Historical.
Tanjiro’s compassion-driven fights? Beautiful.
Nezuko? Global icon.
The movie became the highest-grossing anime film of all time, surpassing even Studio Ghibli.
Hunter x Hunter (2011) – A Masterclass in Writing
The 2011 reboot of Hunter x Hunter is considered near-perfect. Togashi’s storytelling is layered, philosophical, emotional, and unpredictable.
Every arc:
- Exam Arc
- Yorknew
- Greed Island
- Chimera Ant (arguably the greatest arc in anime history)
delivered unmatched character development and moral depth. Even today, HxH remains a must-watch for anyone serious about anime.
One Punch Man – The Satire That Became Legendary
Who knew a bald superhero with crippling boredom would take the world by storm?
“One Punch Man” turned every shonen trope inside out and made it hilarious.
Season 1’s animation was so absurdly good it became a global meme factory.
Saitama’s “OK.”
Genos’ intensity.
Speed-o’-Sound Sonic’s chaos.
Peak comedy. Peak action. Peak parody.
Sword Art Online – The Birth of the Isekai Craze
Like it or not, SAO changed anime forever.
Kirito and Asuna’s journey inside a deadly virtual MMORPG sparked a global wave of VR-inspired isekai shows. It was fresh, ambitious, emotional, and a gateway anime for millions.
Without SAO, half the isekai shows today wouldn’t exist.
Steins;Gate – Time Travel Perfected
This anime didn’t just tell a story; it messed with your brain and your heart.
With masterful slow-burn pacing, emotional payoffs, and unforgettable twists, “Steins;Gate” became the definitive time-travel anime.
Okabe, Kurisu, and Mayuri form one of the most beloved anime trios of the decade.
Re:Zero – Trauma, Loops & Character Depth
Re:Zero took the isekai formula and added:
- trauma
- suffering
- psychological breakdowns
- high tension
- deep character flaws
Subaru isn’t a chosen hero.
He’s a broken one.
And watching him grow is gripping.
Mob Psycho 100 – Art, Emotion & Impeccable Animation
At first glance, Mob looks like a comedy.
But underneath its humor sits a powerful emotional core about identity, strength, and belonging.
Studio Bones delivered animation sequences that still feel unmatched. Mob’s growth from a quiet boy to a confident young man is one of the decade’s best character arcs.
Fate/Zero – Dark Fantasy at Its Finest
“Fate/Zero” is a rare beast—philosophical, visually stunning, morally complex.
Kiritsugu vs. Kirei remains one of the best intellectual rivalries in anime.
And Ufotable’s battle choreography? Untouchable.
Notable Genre-Breaking 2010s Anime
March Comes in Like a Lion – Slice-of-Life with Soul
A warm, emotional masterpiece that tackles depression, healing, and human connection with unmatched sensitivity.
Made in Abyss – Beautiful Yet Brutal
A visual dream paired with gut-punching darkness.
Don’t let the cute art deceive you—this anime is intense.
The Seven Deadly Sins – A Fantasy Hit
Season 1 dropped like wildfire.
Meliodas, Ban, King, and Diane became instant favorites thanks to humor, charm, and cinematic battles.
Hidden Gems of the 2010s
Vinland Saga – The Ultimate Viking Epic
A masterpiece of character transformation.
Thorfinn’s arc is among the best in anime history.
Terror in Resonance – A Psychological Thriller
Short, sharp, atmospheric, and emotional.
A soundtrack that hits the soul.
Barakamon – Wholesome Art & Healing
A calming escape about creativity, failure, and finding joy in small moments.
How the Animation Style of the 2010s Evolved
The 2010s introduced:
- digital painting
- fluid fight choreography
- dynamic lighting
- cinematic direction
- 3D and 2D blending
Studios went from “animated TV shows” to “mini-films every week.”
Storytelling Trends That Defined the 2010s
The decade popularized:
- Isekai domination
- Complex villains
- Morally gray protagonists
- Heavy psychological themes
- Cinematic fight sequences
- Big ensemble casts
It was the perfect blend of creativity and ambition.
Where to Watch the Best Anime of the 2010s
Most shows are available on:
- Crunchyroll
- Netflix
- Hulu
- Funimation
- Amazon Prime Video
For legal streaming:
https://www.crunchyroll.com/
FAQs
1. What anime defined the 2010s the most?
Attack on Titan, Demon Slayer, and My Hero Academia had the largest cultural impact.
2. Which 2010s anime is best for beginners?
One Punch Man and Demon Slayer are perfect starting points.
3. What is the most visually impressive anime of the decade?
Demon Slayer and Fate/Zero stand out.
4. Which anime from this decade has the best story?
Steins;Gate and Hunter x Hunter (2011) are literary-level masterpieces.
5. Which genres rose to popularity in the 2010s?
Isekai and dark fantasy soared in popularity.
6. What’s the best mature anime from this decade?
Vinland Saga and Attack on Titan deliver serious, adult storytelling.
Conclusion
The Best Anime of the 2010s That Defined the Decade weren’t just entertainment—they built the foundation of modern anime culture. These series shaped online communities, inspired global fandoms, elevated animation standards, and delivered emotional experiences fans will never forget.
From titanic battles to psychological journeys, the 2010s brought us stories that will remain iconic for decades to come.
Also Read : 10 Best Anime With Strong Female Leads (No Fanservice, Just Power & Purpose)
