The Best 2020s Anime That Are Already Instant Classics

It’s often hard to know which shows will become true classics while they’re still being made, and anime is no exception. Many popular series fade into obscurity over time. However, some anime immediately stand out as classics that will likely be remembered for years to come.

Even though the 2020s aren’t over yet, several anime have already made a significant impact and will likely be remembered for a long time. While the action-packed ‘shonen’ genre consistently delivers new shows, other genres are also producing exciting anime. These series will become popular recommendations for newcomers and will likely influence future anime creations.

Ranma 1/2 Is One of the Best Anime Remakes Around

Remakes are always a gamble – it’s hard to say if they’ll be any good, let alone as good as the original. But MAPPA has really succeeded with their new version of Rumiko Takahashi’s beloved martial arts comedy, Ranma 1/2. This series stays much closer to the 1980s manga than the first anime adaptation did, giving even longtime fans a reason to watch.

This new version of Ranma 1/2 is shaping up to be one of the funniest anime series ever created, demonstrating that truly funny stories never get old. It also features fantastic fight scenes that are both funny and exciting. The big question now is whether the series will be able to adapt the whole manga, but even as it stands, it’s already a classic.

To Be Hero X Raises the Bar For Superheroes Everywhere

To Be Hero X is a truly special series that will likely gain even more fans over time. It’s set in a unique world where heroes’ strength depends on public trust, and follows a group of heroes battling crime. The show thoughtfully explores how society’s views impact people, and it was captivating right from the start.

Studio BeDream’s animation in To Be Hero X is truly impressive, seamlessly moving between 3D and 2D styles – something fans likely thought couldn’t be done. What makes it even better is that this isn’t just a visual trick; it serves the story. The series features a clever, non-linear plot that rewards repeat viewings, setting a new high bar for superhero shows.

Kaiju No. 8 Features One of Anime’s Most Relatable Main Characters

These days, fans of action-packed anime (often called ‘battle shonen’) are craving something fresh. Luckily, Kaiju No. 8 delivers! It stands out from the crowd with its unique concept and main character. Giant monsters (‘kaiju’) aren’t common enemies in supernatural anime, and there’s never been a hero quite like Kafka Hibino.

Kafka always dreamed of being a kaiju hunter, but by his mid-30s, he hadn’t even passed the entrance exam and ended up cleaning up after kaiju attacks. Everything changes when a kaiju merges with his body, giving him the power to transform into Kaiju No. 8. While the action and special effects are great, what truly makes the series stand out—and potentially a classic—is how relatable the older main characters are, especially as the anime audience itself grows older.

Dandadan Is Weird But Brilliant

Yes, Dandadan is certainly unique. However, that doesn’t prevent it from being one of the strongest shonen manga of the 2020s. Though it initially appears to be a story about high school students battling aliens and supernatural beings, it offers a surprisingly complex and layered narrative.

Dandadan stands out with a remarkably genuine romance – the connection between Okarun and Momo feels like a sweet and relatable first love. The series also elevates its monster-of-the-week format by giving its ghosts and aliens surprisingly deep and often heartbreaking histories. Add in fantastic animation from Science Saru and a consistently funny tone, and you have a show that feels destined to become a classic.

Cyberpunk: Edgerunners Became a Classic With Only 10 Episodes

It’s rare for an anime to revitalize a video game series, but that’s exactly what happened with Cyberpunk: Edgerunners. The show was so popular it dramatically increased sales of the game it’s based on, Cyberpunk 2077. And after watching it, it’s clear to see why.

Cyberpunk: Edgerunners is a stunning anime set in a realistic, dark future where opportunities are scarce. The story follows David, a talented young man trying to succeed in the dangerous city of Night City. With breathtaking animation by Studio Trigger and a powerfully emotional story, it’s easily one of the best anime series of the last ten years.

Oshi no Ko Is One of Anime’s Best Thriller Mysteries

The basic idea behind Oshi no Ko seems wild at first. It’s about two children who are reborn and try to find out who killed their mother – a famous idol they admired in their past lives. It definitely throws a lot at you right away.

Even though the show has a lot going on, the central mystery is too interesting to overlook. Plus, the series gives a realistic and honest portrayal of the challenges faced by aspiring actors and musicians. While it hasn’t fully come together yet, it’s already proven itself to be quite good.

Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End Is About More Than Fighting Monsters

Even before the anime adaptation, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End was generating buzz, but its quality has exceeded expectations. The story centers on Frieren, an immortal elf mage, after she completes a long journey with a group of heroes, having defeated the Demon King. What makes Frieren unique is that it doesn’t begin with the fight against the Demon King—instead, it starts after the adventure is over.

While Frieren does feature battles with demons, at its heart it’s a story about friendship and cherishing the relationships we have. It’s a deeply thoughtful and reflective series, and easily one of the best anime of the last decade.

The Apothecary Diaries Is as Well-Written as It Is Beautiful

The anime The Apothecary Diaries follows Maomao, the daughter of an apothecary, who is kidnapped and ends up working within the Imperial Palace. In a landscape often dominated by action-packed shows, The Apothecary Diaries is notable for its beautiful animation. Created by Toho Animation and OLM, the series stands out—its most intense ‘action’ scene involves the main character simply chasing a cat.

The first few episodes of Apothecary Diaries start out as simple, self-contained mysteries. But as the show goes on, it builds more complex and engaging storylines, making great use of its large ensemble cast. It’s no surprise the series has already received so many award nominations and wins after just two seasons.

Solo Leveling Features Some of the Best One-Sided Fights in Anime

When Solo Leveling debuted in 2024, it faced high expectations. However, the series quickly exceeded them, captivating audiences with the story of Sung Jin-Woo. He begins as a weak E-Rank hunter, but a mysterious event grants him a unique ability: he can grow stronger by ‘leveling up,’ just like in a video game.

I’m completely hooked on Solo Leveling! Okay, sometimes it feels like the story really focuses just on Sung Jin-Woo, but honestly, it’s still amazing. A huge part of the enjoyment for me is watching Jin-Woo grow stronger, learning new skills, and figuring out how to beat these increasingly tough enemies. And with A-1 Pictures handling the animation, every season is just visually stunning – seriously, some of the best I’ve ever seen!

Jujutsu Kaisen’s Battle Choreography Is Untouchable

Jujutsu Kaisen has quickly become a standout series in the action-packed shonen genre. While many shows use supernatural elements, Jujutsu Kaisen’s fight scenes are exceptionally well-animated and detailed. Plus, the way its power system works is both intricate and smart.

The series is popular not just for its scary and intense moments, but also for its well-developed characters. Even amidst all the horror, the story includes heartwarming scenes of friendship, which makes the action feel more impactful. Though the story is still ongoing, it’s easy to see why Jujutsu Kaisen remains incredibly popular with each new season.

2026-02-02 01:41