Top Anime Of 2020: Must-Watch Series You Can't Miss
Hey anime fans! Ready to dive into the best anime of 2020? This year was packed with incredible stories, stunning animation, and characters that stole our hearts. Whether you're into action-packed adventures, heartwarming dramas, or mind-bending mysteries, 2020 had something for everyone. So, grab your popcorn, settle in, and let’s explore the top anime that made 2020 a fantastic year for anime lovers!
Jujutsu Kaisen
Jujutsu Kaisen absolutely dominated the anime scene in 2020, and for a good reason! This series, based on the manga by Gege Akutami, follows the story of Yuji Itadori, a high school student who swallows a cursed talisman to protect his friends. This act binds him to Ryomen Sukuna, a powerful cursed spirit, and throws him headfirst into the world of jujutsu sorcerers and dangerous curses. The animation by MAPPA is stunning, bringing the intense fight scenes to life with incredible detail and fluidity. The character designs are also top-notch, making each sorcerer and curse visually distinct and memorable. But it’s not just the visuals that make Jujutsu Kaisen a standout. The storyline is compelling, blending humor, action, and surprisingly dark themes seamlessly. Yuji's journey from an ordinary teenager to a determined jujutsu sorcerer is captivating, and the supporting cast, including Megumi Fushiguro and Nobara Kugisaki, adds depth and complexity to the narrative. Each character has their own motivations and backstories, making them relatable and engaging. The series also explores the moral ambiguities of fighting curses and the sacrifices required to protect humanity. What really sets Jujutsu Kaisen apart is its ability to balance intense action with emotional depth. The fight scenes are not just about flashy moves; they're about the characters' struggles, their determination, and their relationships with each other. The series doesn't shy away from exploring darker themes like loss, grief, and the consequences of power. This makes the story more impactful and resonates with viewers on a deeper level. Moreover, the world-building in Jujutsu Kaisen is exceptionally well done. The concept of curses, jujutsu techniques, and the hidden world of sorcerers is intricate and fascinating. The series introduces new concepts and characters gradually, keeping viewers engaged and eager to learn more about the world. The lore is rich and detailed, adding layers to the story and making it feel immersive. For those who love action-packed anime with a touch of supernatural and dark themes, Jujutsu Kaisen is a must-watch. It's a rollercoaster of emotions, with moments of intense action, heartwarming camaraderie, and heartbreaking loss. The series has set a high bar for modern shonen anime and is sure to leave a lasting impression on viewers.
Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken!
Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken! is a unique and inspiring anime that celebrates the joy of creativity and the power of teamwork. The story revolves around three high school girls – Midori Asakusa, Sayaka Kanamori, and Tsubame Mizusaki – who come together to form an animation club, or "Eizouken," at their school. Each girl brings her own unique talents and passions to the group. Asakusa is a visionary with a boundless imagination and a knack for creating intricate world designs. Kanamori is the pragmatic and business-savvy producer who keeps the team on track. Mizusaki is a talented and charismatic animator with a passion for movement. Together, they embark on a journey to create their own anime, facing numerous challenges and learning valuable lessons along the way. What makes Eizouken! so special is its infectious enthusiasm for the creative process. The series beautifully captures the excitement and challenges of bringing an idea to life, from the initial brainstorming sessions to the painstaking process of animation. It showcases the importance of collaboration, compromise, and perseverance in achieving a common goal. The characters are relatable and endearing, each with their own quirks and strengths. Their interactions are genuine and heartwarming, and their passion for animation is contagious. The series also offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of anime production. It delves into the technical aspects of animation, such as storyboarding, character design, and sound effects, while also highlighting the creative vision and artistic expression that goes into each project. This makes Eizouken! not only entertaining but also educational for aspiring animators and anyone interested in the behind-the-scenes of anime production. The visual style of Eizouken! is distinct and vibrant, with a unique blend of hand-drawn animation and digital effects. The character designs are expressive, and the backgrounds are richly detailed, creating a visually immersive experience. The series also incorporates imaginative sequences that showcase the girls' creative visions, bringing their anime ideas to life in a dynamic and captivating way. Overall, Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken! is a celebration of creativity, friendship, and the power of dreams. It's a heartwarming and inspiring anime that will leave you feeling motivated to pursue your own passions and embrace the joy of creation. Whether you're an anime enthusiast or simply someone who appreciates a good story, Eizouken! is a must-watch.
Fruits Basket (2019 - 2021)
The Fruits Basket reboot, which continued into 2020, is a beautiful and emotionally resonant anime that tells the story of Tohru Honda, an orphaned high school student who stumbles upon the secret of the Sohma family. The Sohmas are cursed to transform into animals of the Chinese Zodiac when hugged by someone of the opposite sex. Tohru, with her kind heart and unwavering optimism, becomes deeply involved in their lives, offering support and understanding as they grapple with their curse and the emotional wounds it has caused. The Fruits Basket reboot is a faithful adaptation of the original manga by Natsuki Takaya, offering a more complete and nuanced portrayal of the story and characters. The animation is stunning, with vibrant colors and expressive character designs that capture the emotions and personalities of each character. The series delves into complex themes such as family, trauma, forgiveness, and self-acceptance. It explores the impact of emotional abuse and the importance of healing and breaking free from toxic relationships. Tohru's unwavering kindness and her ability to see the good in everyone make her a beacon of hope for the Sohmas, who have been isolated and emotionally damaged by their curse. The characters in Fruits Basket are incredibly well-developed, each with their own unique backstories, struggles, and motivations. The series takes the time to explore their individual journeys, allowing viewers to connect with them on a deep and emotional level. The relationships between the characters are complex and nuanced, with moments of tenderness, conflict, and growth. The romance between Tohru and the Sohma boys is a central element of the story, but it is not the only focus. The series also explores the importance of friendship, family, and self-discovery. What sets Fruits Basket apart is its ability to balance heartwarming moments with darker, more serious themes. The series doesn't shy away from exploring the pain and suffering of the characters, but it also offers hope and healing. It shows that even in the face of adversity, it is possible to find happiness and create meaningful connections with others. The reboot also features a beautiful soundtrack that perfectly complements the emotions of the story. The opening and ending themes are particularly memorable, adding to the overall impact of the series. Fruits Basket is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys emotionally resonant stories with well-developed characters, beautiful animation, and complex themes. It's a series that will stay with you long after you finish watching it, reminding you of the importance of kindness, compassion, and self-acceptance.
Dorohedoro
Dorohedoro is a dark, gritty, and wildly imaginative anime that takes place in a dystopian world divided into two realms: the Hole and the Sorcerers' world. The Hole is a dilapidated and dangerous city where humans live in fear of the sorcerers, who use them as practice dummies for their magic. Kaiman, a man with a reptile head and amnesia, is on a quest to find the sorcerer who transformed him and recover his memories. With the help of his friend Nikaido, he hunts down sorcerers in the Hole, shoving them into his mouth to see if they are the one who cursed him. What makes Dorohedoro so unique is its blend of dark humor, over-the-top violence, and bizarre world-building. The series doesn't take itself too seriously, embracing its absurdity and creating a truly unforgettable viewing experience. The animation is gritty and detailed, perfectly capturing the atmosphere of the Hole and the grotesque nature of the sorcerers' magic. The character designs are also distinct and memorable, each with their own unique quirks and personalities. The storyline of Dorohedoro is complex and mysterious, with numerous plot twists and turns that keep viewers guessing. As Kaiman searches for the sorcerer who transformed him, he uncovers secrets about his past and the nature of the Hole and the Sorcerers' world. The series also explores the relationships between the characters, who are often morally ambiguous and driven by their own agendas. The world-building in Dorohedoro is incredibly detailed, with a rich history and intricate social structure. The Hole is a sprawling metropolis filled with dangerous creatures, bizarre shops, and colorful characters. The Sorcerers' world is a more organized and hierarchical society, with different factions and power struggles. The series also features a unique magic system, with sorcerers able to manipulate different types of magic, such as smoke, mushrooms, and time. Dorohedoro is not for the faint of heart. It's a violent and disturbing anime that explores dark themes and features grotesque imagery. However, it's also a highly entertaining and original series that will appeal to fans of dark fantasy, action, and black humor. If you're looking for an anime that is unlike anything you've seen before, Dorohedoro is a must-watch.
Beastars
Beastars is a thought-provoking and visually stunning anime that explores themes of prejudice, identity, and societal expectations in a world populated by anthropomorphic animals. The story takes place at Cherryton Academy, a boarding school where herbivores and carnivores coexist, but tensions and prejudices simmer beneath the surface. Legoshi, a timid and introspective gray wolf, is a member of the drama club and struggles with his predatory instincts. When a student is murdered, the fragile peace between herbivores and carnivores is shattered, and Legoshi finds himself caught in a web of suspicion and desire. What makes Beastars so compelling is its exploration of complex social issues through the lens of anthropomorphic animals. The series tackles themes such as racism, sexism, and homophobia, using the animal characters as metaphors for different groups and identities. It challenges viewers to examine their own prejudices and assumptions about others. The animation in Beastars is unique and visually striking, using a combination of 3D CGI and traditional 2D animation. The character designs are expressive, and the movements of the animals are fluid and realistic. The series also features stunning backgrounds and lighting, creating a visually immersive experience. The characters in Beastars are well-developed and relatable, each with their own struggles and motivations. Legoshi's journey of self-discovery is particularly compelling, as he grapples with his predatory instincts and his desire to connect with others. The series also explores the perspectives of other characters, such as Haru, a promiscuous dwarf rabbit, and Louis, a charismatic red deer, offering a nuanced and multifaceted view of the world. Beastars is not just a visually stunning anime; it's also a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant story that will leave you pondering its themes long after you finish watching it. It's a must-watch for anyone who enjoys character-driven stories with complex social commentary. The series challenges viewers to think critically about the world around them and to consider the perspectives of others.
So there you have it, guys! These are some of the best anime that 2020 had to offer. Each series brought something unique to the table, whether it was stunning animation, compelling storylines, or thought-provoking themes. If you haven't already, be sure to check these out – you won't be disappointed!