THE BEST ANIME OF 2022

2022 was a pretty decent time for anime. We got a lot of great series, adaptations, many incredible stories, and some major comebacks. I have to say, I really enjoyed this year. Now I didn't get to watch all the of the anime I wanted to, but I did watch a lot! HUGE WARNING! This list I'm about to mention is based off of what I was able to watch and finish this year. I'm missing incredible anime like Mob Psycho 100. Unfortunately, I didn't get to watch it in time to be able to consider it for this list. However, that doesn't mean anime like Mob Psycho don't deserve to be on the list. I just didn't get to watch them and that's the only reason why they aren't on here... unless I thought it was trash.. that's just a given. 

Also, I'm basing this list off of what was entertaining, creative, well directed, and provided a great emotional experience. That being said, here's my top anime for 2022! 

KOTARO LIVES ALONE

This anime was very much unexpectedly good and for many reasons. Let's start off with how it makes you emotionally connected with its subtleties and story telling. I found my heart being squeezed the more I learned about Kotaro's backstory and why he does the things he does. For example, the balloon episode hits you in the feels hella hard. Kotaro Lives Alone is filled with emotional moments, but it also comes with many hilarious moments. It's comedic timing is incredible and balances out the sad moments creating this easy to watch story with a heavy impact. You really feel for the kid by the end of the season and that's why I watched this series multiple times. It was wholesome, fun, mad adorable, and ultimately a great series that I didn't know I needed. Kotaro Lives Alone will definitely be an anime I will watch on repeat beyond 2022. Let's hope we get word for a second season. 

MY DRESS UP DARLING

My most slept on anime and I feel DEEP regret for that. Besides the unnecessary fan service....which I hated so much... This was definitely one of the best directed anime a long side two others on this list. I have PLENTY of reasons why. First, let's start with how this feels like three different stories being told even though it's just one narrative with our main character. We get to watch a guy build new relationships, gain new experiences. and develop more of an identity which was a big element in his life he was missing. It makes for an incredible watch and I never expected to enjoy it as much as I did. Not only that, but you really buy this new relationship that has blossomed for him. PLUS, this is beautifully animated. Every shot is so high quality and amazing to just look at. It's a very cinematic anime even though I feel like it didn't really need to be. I LOVED THAT. This ended up being a very fun, memorable, and wholesome anime and I look forward to getting a season 2!

BLUE LOCK

This one was super unexpected for me. I had no clue what I was getting myself into when I watched the season. I didn't even hear that much hype around it until the season started to reach it's mid way point. All I have to say is, this is one GREAT sports anime. Not only do I feel like I am watching one of the most intense soccer matches ever, but I feel like the approach for the way it's executed is unique. The art style is one I didn't think I would love as much as I do. One key element is their eyes when ever things get real. Although this is just one giant tournament based story, I'm loving every bit of it and can't wait for the next part to drop. If you're looking for a really great sports anime to get into, I would highly encourage you to give Blue Lock a shot!

SPY X FAMILY

Spy x Family has for sure become one of my favorite anime to watch. Finishing off part 2 of season 1, Spy x Family provides fun adventures with Loid, Yor, and Anya. Each episode is zany, hilarious, warm, and entertaining. It definitely doesn't take itself too seriously, but still brings so much greatness as a series. The family dynamic is what makes this story so interesting. Plus, there are some really well animated episodes. The tennis scene we got in part 2 had me hype the entire time. Bonus points for having two really phenomenal ending songs that I added to my every day playlist. I can't wait to see what else is instore for this anime! 

CHAINSAW MAN

Chainsaw man was one of the most anticipated anime in the community. Now even though there were many who criticized the adaptation, I personally thought it was the second best directed anime of the  year. Now I was a little concerned for it's pacing, but once we reached episode 8 and onward it got so much better. The choices when it comes to the music, the shot selection, and the directing help create an amazing viewing experience. This is a series that leaves you feeling uncomfortable. It's a series that makes you second guess your predictions which motivates you to watch certain episodes again. Not to mention the characters feel real and our main character Denji is weirdly relatable even though he's such a strange character. I'm looking forward to watching season 2 and possibly catching up in the manga. Let's just hope this doesn't take a horrible turn like The Promised Neverland S2...If done right, this series could be beyond incredible and become what The Promised Neverland should've been. 

BLEACH: THOUSAND YEAR BLOODWAR

This was my most anticipated anime of 2022. I have been waiting for Bleach's return for so long now. Honestly, a lot of us bleach fans have been patiently waiting for this. It took YEARS, but we finally got a new season of Bleach. Let me tell you...it did not disappoint. The hype is SO REAL for this season. Bleach TYBW provided incredible episodes each week that left me wanting more every time. This arch in the manga is crazy good, so seeing it adapted makes me really happy as a fan. Not only is the story telling fantastic, but the animation is GODLY. Some of the best animation we've gotten in 2022. The second cour picks up soon and so I'm hoping that we keep this momentum going. It only gets crazier and just like Chainsaw man...NO ONE IS SAFE. It's great to see the cast back in action, new backstories, and most importantly....a damn good bleach season. If Bleach keeps it up, this season will be one of the best seasons in anime history. That's a lot of hype, but that's just my honest opinion. Let's hope they don't mess it up. 

That's my list for my top 2022 anime! It's a short list, but I'm also very picky. Honorable mention goes out to season 6 of My Hero Academia. This season was amazing, but I definitely have a few critiques that kept it from making this list. I'm curious, what were your top anime for 2022? Comment and let me know! Thanks for stopping by! Peace!