Best Seasonal Anime From the 2020s | FandomWire’s Official Ranking

As we are halfway through the 2026 anime season, the past five and a half years have produced hundreds of titles that become fan favourites either instantaneously or gradually. With that being said, we went through all four major seasons of anime – Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall for every single year and compiled the best out of them.

Without further ado, we recommend you strap in for a long ride as we introduce you to our official rankings for every seasonal title released from 2020 to the spring 2026 anime season. Bear in mind that we will update this article once we reach the halfway point of every upcoming season.

26 Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun | Winter 2020

Among multiple popular titles like Dorohedoro and Id: Invaded, a new supernatural anime series emerged that grabbed our attention immediately: Toilet-Bound Hanko-kun. The series follows Nene Yashiro, a high school girl who summons the ghost “Hanako-san of the Toilet” to grant a romance wish.

However, she discovers Hanako is a boy, and after a curse goes wrong, she becomes his human assistant to maintain the balance between the spirit and human worlds. The series has a total of two seasons, with the second season split into two cours.

25 Tower of God | Spring 2020

The Tower of God series was a hidden gem that took us aback when we were looking at titles from the spring 2020 anime season. Among other popular series like Kaguya-Sama: Love is War? and Kingdom Season 3, the manhwa adaptation stood out like an action-packed adventure series we’ve barely seen before.

With two seasons under its belt, the second season is arguably even more epic, featuring one of the strongest characters from that era, Urek Mazino. Tower of God is a complex supernatural narrative that’s beautifully accompanied by a unique animation style and characterization.

24 The God of High School | Summer 2020

Staying on the topic of manhwa adaptations, The God of High School was one of the best things we experienced from the summer 2020 anime season, despite the other popular titles being released, like The Misfits of Demon King Academy and Rent-a-Girlfriend.

The anime series has a beautiful mix of supernatural tone and a touch of mythology. What made the series so special is its unique animation style and composition, with one of the best endings we have witnessed that season.

23 Jujutsu Kaisen | Fall 2020

Coming to the Fall 2020 anime season, it is undeniable that we witnessed one of the most narratively powerful and visually compelling series – the Jujutsu Kaisen series by Gege Akutami. Standing in 2026, we all know how Jujutsu Kaisen has transformed and just how popular it has become, so this being our best choice isn’t really a surprise.

With the third season airing recently, following one of the most vibrant and expansive arcs so far, the Culling Games Arc, anyone who hasn’t watched the series yet; they’re missing out.

22 Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation | Winter 2021

For every Isekai anime fan out there, Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation is one of the biggest titles out there, and it made its name immediately as it was released, despite other major titles like Horimiya and Dr. Stone releasing in the same seasonal slot.

Apart from having a problematic protagonist, the series has a long and intriguing narrative setup. With that being said, if for some reason you haven’t watched Mushoku Tensei yet, we highly recommend taking it for a spin, but be wary that the narrative can sometimes become too overwhelming.

21 Tokyo Revengers | Spring 2021

Among titles like To Your Eternity and 86, an anime series was released that grabbed hold of the gang action genre – Tokyo Revengers. The story is based on Takemichi Hanagaki, a 26-year-old part-timer with a gloomy life, who learns that his ex-girlfriend, Hinata Tachibana, has died in a dispute involving the Tokyo Manji Gang.

It’s a simple time travel 12 years back, after that, to prevent Hinata from dying. The series is really interesting and will surely keep you invested for hours with its three seasons, and the fourth one is soon to be released.

20 The Case Study of Vanitas | Summer 2021

This one is an underrated gem that not many knew about from the summer 2021 anime season. While everyone was too excited for That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime Season 2 Part 2 and Tsukimichi: Moonlit Fantasy, The Case Study of Vanitas was building a peak narrative and animation mastery under Studio Bones’ production.

Covering themes like dark fantasy, supernatural, and steampunk, the anime series follows the vampire Noé Archiviste, who meets Vanitas during an airship ride to Paris, a human claiming to be a vampire doctor curing them of the malnomen, which causes vampires to behave predatorily against their will.

19 Demon Slayer: The Mugen Train Arc | Fall 2021

By this point, the majority of us have already seen the Demon Slayer: Mugen Train Arc movie that came out in 2020. However, this movie was further divided into a 7-episode format as the first cour for Season 2, releasing in Fall 2021. This is one of the very few sequels we are suggesting on this list, and for good reasons; from the animation quality to the impactful story and the emotional ending, the movie is a complete package.

The arc follows the battle between Tanjiro, Zenitsu, Inosuke, and Flame Hashira Kyujuro Rengoku against the Lower Moon One demon, Enmu. However, it transpires into a massive battle between the Flame Hashira, Kyojuro Rengoku, and the Upper Moon Three demon, Akaza. This not only delivers a peak cinema moment, but also sets the tone for another blockbuster release, the Infinity Castle Arc movie.

18 My Dress-Up Darling | Winter 2022

Taking a step back from the relentless action and supernatural genres, the winter 2022 anime season saw the release of My Dress-Up Darling, a romantic comedy following two main characters – Wakana Gojo and Marin Kitagawa.

While other titles like Sasaki and Miyano and Demon Slayer: Entertainment District Arc were buzzing around the fandom, My Dress-Up Darling gradually became one of the most renowned rom-com series out there. As of now, the series has two seasons, the latest season airing in 2025.

17 Spy X Family | Spring 2022

The Spy X Family anime series is undoubtedly one of the big names in the industry, for its immaculate narrative and visual beauty. The series features a plethora of interesting characters, including Yor Forger, one of the best anime moms of all time, as well as Anya, the little girl who won over everyone’s hearts with her clumsy and happy-go-lucky personality.

16 Call of the Night | Summer 2022

The Call of the Night anime series is definitely a hidden gem from the summer 2022 anime season, which overtrumped other series like Uncle from Another World and The Yakuza’s Guide to Babysitting. The series follows Ko Yamori, who encounters Nazuna Nanakusa, a vampire who introduces him to the appeal of life after dark.

Fascinated and wanting to become a vampire himself, Ko must fall in love with Nazuna first to fulfill the requirements. The rom-com and supernatural anime series is a complete package of fun, dark fantasy, and an intriguing plot.

15 Chainsaw Man | Fall 2022

This one is a no-brainer: the Chainsaw Man anime received immediate recognition among anime fans from the moment the first episode was released. Tatsuki Fujimoto was already a renowned name by then, and the anime just solidified his legacy, despite another massive sequel being released in the same season, the Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War Saga.

The Chainsaw Man series has everything – action, comedy, romance (suggestive), gore, horror, and of course, a lot of blood. While the series is definitely not for everyone and carries mature themes, it is a must-watch for anime hardcore fans who are looking for an immaculate story.

14 The Angel Next Door Spoils Me Rotten | Winter 2023

Imagine this is the winter 2023 anime season, and you are watching the relentless action and powerful narratives from sequels like Vinland Saga Season 2 and Bungo Stray Dogs Season 4. Then comes a series that actually offers you a breather and step back to relax; The Angel Next Door Spoils Me Rotten is exactly that.

The anime follows the story of Amane Fujimiya, a lonely and stoic high school boy, and Mahiru Shiina, the most beautiful girl in school. Both main characters are next-door neighbours in the same apartment, unaware of it initially – their romantic journey begins with an umbrella and a rainy day.

13 Hell’s Paradise | Spring 2023

The spring 2023 anime season was one of the biggest ones; titles like Oshi no Ko, Heavenly Delusion, The Dangers in My Heart, and Demon Slayer: Swordsmith Village Arc were released. However, what caught our attention was the Hell’s Paradise anime by Studio MAPPA.

The series follows Gabimaru, who’s sentenced to execution, but nothing seems to kill him. He finds himself on an adventure along with others as they hunt for the Elixir of Life on Shinsenkyo – a legendary realm recently discovered southwest of the Ryukyu Kingdom. There’s drama, fantasy, action, adventure – everything you could want.

12 Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead | Summer 2023

With series like Horimiya and Dark Gathering to choose from, Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead might seem like an odd choice, but hear us out. The series explores a zombie apocalypse scenario like many others before it, but what it adds is the main protagonist, Akira Tendo, fulfilling a bucket list while dodging zombies left and right.

Bug Films and the mangaka Haro Aso have somehow integrated an intriguing narrative and fun aspect to the decade-old zombie formula and made it stand out. There’s also a live-action version of the anime on Netflix, which is equally intriguing.

11 Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End | Fall 2023

This one doesn’t really need much explanation. Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is not only a hit title of the fall 2023 anime season, but also one of the most popular and award-winning titles of modern times. Despite tough competition from The Apothecary Diaries and Shangri-La Frontier, the series stood strong and iconic.

With Season 2 ending recently, the story began by following Frieren’s journey as she travels northward to the land of Aureole, the place where souls are said to rest, hoping to speak with Himmel one last time.

10 Solo Leveling | Winter 2024

Can we really consider this an Isekai? Even if we can’t, there is no doubt that Solo Leveling dominated the winter 2024 anime release scenario. The Korean manhwa adaptation by A-1 Pictures gave us some of the most beautifully animated and intense fight scenes in the past decade, revolutionizing the anime and dungeon-fighting genres.

Ever since then, the quality has only gone up for Chugong’s manhwa adaptation, with the second season featuring one of the best anime fight scenes of 2025, the fight between Sung Jinwoo and the Ant King, Beru.

9 Kaiju No. 8 | Spring 2024

A drastic bump in animation was seen from the winter 2024 anime season with Solo Leveling, which seemingly carried to the spring 2024 anime season with the Kaiju No. 8 anime series. The series became an instantaneous hit among the fans for its peak animation and masterfully executed sci-fi storyline.

Following the destruction of their hometown by a Kaiju, childhood friends Kafka Hibino and Mina Ashiro vow to join the Japanese Anti-Kaiju Defence Force. However, a parasitic creature subsequently enters Kafka’s body, granting him the ability to transform into a humanoid Kaiju, designated “Kaiju No. 8”.

8 Wistoria: Wand and Sword | Summer 2024

The Wistoria: Wand and Sword series caught us by surprise as we were exploring titles from the summer 2024 anime season. From a polished look to a storyline that kept us wanting more, it easily outshone series like The Elusive Samurai and Fairy Tail: 100 Years Quest.

What makes Wistoria so perfect is its blend of adventure and fantasy into an immensely beautiful fusion as it follows Will Serfort, a Rigarden student who swore to become a magician strong enough to be accepted into the Mercedes Caulis and reunite with his childhood friend, Elfaria Albis Serfort –  the youngest magician ever to become a Magia Vander.

7 Dandadan | Fall 2024

In the fall of 2024, the Dandadan anime series was undoubtedly a massive title, making its debut in that season. The series has action, comedy, supernatural, and more – all intertwined in a fun narrative that dips in between with some teen romance and horror elements.

Momo Ayase believes in ghosts but not aliens, and Ken “Okarun” Takamura believes in aliens but not ghosts; in a bet to determine who is correct, the two decide to separately visit locations associated with both the extraterrestrial and the occult. While Momo gets abducted by aliens, Okarun becomes possessed by a spirit.

6 Sakamoto Days | Winter 2025

If you really liked the blend of comedy and action that Dandadan brought to the table, the very next anime season saw the release of the Sakamoto Days anime series under TMS Entertainment. Sakamoto Days wasn’t just another comedy or action anime; it had multiple layers of narrative that made it a complex series.

The series follows the life of Taro Sakamoto, a retired master assassin who peacefully runs a shop; while he left his old life behind, his old life seemed to catch up to him. Paired with partners and apprentices like Shin and Lu, Sakamoto tries to live his life peacefully while fighting off the dangers that threaten it.

5 Lazarus | Spring 2025

Lazarus was an absolute cinema; directed by the legendary Shinichiro Watanabe and under the masterful animation of studio MAPPA, the series became an underdog hit among other popular titles from the spring of 2025, like Apocalypse Hotel, Anne Shirley, My Hero Academia: Vigilantes, and Sword of the Demon Hunter: Kijin Gentosho.

It caught our eye because, unlike the traditional anime series, it had a Western animation touch to it, which completely complemented the narrative. The sci-fi and action anime held no restraints when addressing mature themes like war and brutal medical warfare, which made it feel more unfiltered and respectable.

4 Gachiakuta | Summer 2025

Gachiakuta is an anime series that needs no introduction as to why it is the best out of the other titles like The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity, The Summer Hikaru Died, and Secrets of the Silent Witch that also came out in the summer 2025 anime season. Studio Bones is already known for their animation quality, and Gachiakuta was a statement that proved it right.

From the very first episode of the anime, it dived straight into a spiral of dark and supernatural narrative following the life of Rudo, who was wrongfully exiled into “The Pit”. After Enijin finds him and recruits him into the Cleaners, his only goal becomes reaching the surface and exacting revenge.

3 My Hero Academia: Final Season | Fall 2025

Arguably the best shonen anime finale of the modern gen, My Hero Academia‘s final season was packed to the brim with emotional and action narrative. As far as closures go, Deku reaching out to Shigaraki despite everything might be the biggest closure moment ever created, thanks to Kohei Horikoshi.

What makes it even more special is the fact that the final season doesn’t end abruptly with the end of the war between the heroes and the villains. It also explores life after; how the world changes after a war, people coming together to rebuild, and the peace that a war’s ending brings.

2 Sentenced to Be a Hero | Winter 2026

If you really missed My Hero Academia, then Sentenced to Be a Hero might be the perfect replacement, but with a twist. The Studio Kai animated series takes the concept of “hero” and makes it a punishment rather than a glorified title. Heroes become disposable assets who are sent to war and brought over and over to do the bidding.

The dark and twisted narrative is backed by a unique and intense animation style that perfectly carries the story. Furthermore, it is easily one of the best concepts to be released in modern times, and we highly doubt something unique will come soon enough to match it.

1 Nippon Sangoku: The Three Nations of the Crimson Sun | Spring 2026

The currently ongoing anime series, Nippon Sangoku: The Three Nations of the Crimson Sun, is definitely one of the biggest titles to be released in the spring 2026 anime season. The story focuses on a warring war dynamics between three great nations of Japan – Yamato, Seii, and Takeo, and the latest episode just entailed the beginning of the war.

While it’s true that other titles like Witch Hat Atelier and Daemons of the Shadow Realm are massive hits and the fans are more drawn to them, Nippon Sangoku brings a traditional narrative theme that we have rarely seen before. And that’s also backed by the pristine animation by Studio Kafka.

ANIME SEASON	TITLE	IMDb RATINGS (As of May 12, 2026)	WHERE TO WATCH
Winter 2020	Toilet-Bound Hanako-Kun	7.5/10	Crunchyroll, Hulu, Disney+
Spring 2020	Tower of God	7.4/10	Crunchyroll
Summer 2020	The God of High School	7.2/10	Crunchyroll
Fall 2020	Jujutsu Kaisen	8.5/10	Crunchyroll
Winter 2021	Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation	8.2/10	Crunchyroll
Spring 2021	Tokyo Revengers	7.7/10	Disney+
Summer 2021	The Case Study of Vanitas	7.6/10	Crunchyroll, Hulu, Disney+
Fall 2021	Demon Slayer: The Mugen Train Arc	8.2/10	Crunchyroll, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video
Winter 2022	My Dress-Up Darling	7.9/10	Crunchyroll
Spring 2022	Spy X Family	8.2/10	Crunchyroll, Hulu
Summer 2022	Call of the Night	7.5/10	Hulu
Fall 2022	Chainsaw Man	8.3/10	Crunchyroll, Hulu, Disney+
Winter 2023	The Angel Next Door Spoils Me Rotten	7.8/10	Crunchyroll
Spring 2023	Hell’s Paradise	8.1/10	Crunchyroll, Netflix
Summer 2023	Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead	7.3/10	Crunchyroll, Hulu, Netflix
Fall 2023	Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End	8.9/10	Crunchyroll
Winter 2024	Solo Leveling	8.5/10	Crunchyroll
Spring 2024	Kaiju No. 8	8.2/10	Crunchyroll
Summer 2024	Wistoria: Wand and Sword	7.6/10	Crunchyroll
Fall 2024	Dandadan	8.3/10	Crunchyroll, Netflix
Winter 2025	Sakamoto Days	7.5/10	Netflix
Spring 2025	Lazarus	7/10	Max (formerly HBO Max)
Summer 2025	Gachiakuta	8/10	Crunchyroll
Fall 2025	My Hero Academia: Final Season	8.2/10 (Overall)	Crunchyrol, Hulu
Winter 2026	Sentenced to Be a Hero	8/10	Crunchyroll
Spring 2026	Nippon Sangoku: The Three Nations of the Crimson Sun	8.4/10	Amazon Prime Video

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What are your thoughts on our official anime ranking for every seasonal anime of the 2020s? We’d love to hear your opinions and feedback in the comments below.