These top Japanese animes animated viewers in ’22

By Rachel Zuckerman | Manor Ink

When it comes to 2022 animated features, everyone of a certain age has an opinion about the year’s best and worst animes. A definitive list is a real challenge – trust me on this! – but it all comes down to personal choice. So here are the top five animes of 2022, selected because some of them are my favorites.

No. 5: Taking the fifth position on our list is “Mob Psycho 100, Season 3.” Even though I haven’t heard of it until now, I will tell you about it. “Mob Psycho 100” is popular because its plot is unpredictable and never boring. Also, it is popular because its main character, Shigeo, aka Mob, is so nice and kind. The show also finds a healthy balance between comedy and action. The fights are amazing because they utilize a strong mix of physical attacks and psychic assaults, keeping them unpredictable. The combat also allows the show more freedom in its battles than, say, “One-Punch Man,” or even “Dragon Ball Z.” Lastly, “Mob Psycho 100” is rendered in wacky animation, part of why it is so humorous. If you’re looking for something that is quirky, humorous and has action, then “Mob Psycho 100: Season 3” is your go.

No. 4: Numero 4 on our list is also a new anime and is fast becoming everyone’s favorite. “Spy x Family” is an anime that may be a teensy bit violent, but it is also very family friendly and is a classic comedy. “Spy x Family” is a hilarious series that has a few truly amusing moments that general viewers – you and other people – will probably like. Possibly the best character in the entire series is little Anya. Not only is she adorable, but she creates most of the comedy in the series and is also very cute. Of course, little do people know that she has a secret power that makes her the fierce little one she really is. If you are looking for a family appropriate comic anime, then “Spy x Family” is for you (I enjoyed it very much).

No. 3: Our third best choice is an anime that is new but is heading straight to the top. “Cyberpunk Edgerunners,” a video game-like anime, is popular for its unique and sharp art style and gore, but also for its surprisingly compelling gutter-level view of Night City. The characters are also very well done, including Lucy, one of the main protagonists, who is one of the best hackers in Night City. Another reason for this anime’s popularity is because it is based on a successful video game called “Cyberpunk 2077.” The show’s creators clearly enjoyed creating a “living, breathing” video game world while demonstrating just how easily that world comes unraveled. So, if you are looking for a futuristic, game-like anime, “Cyberpunk Edgerunners” is your ticket.

No. 2: For sure, almost everyone knows “Attack on Titan: The Final Season,” an exciting anime with a lot of violence and bloodshed. Even though it might not make everybody’s watchlist, it has great appeal for some. Its premise is that people have to survive attacks by titans that feed on human flesh and bones. It is very popular, not only for the concept but for the setting, the characters and character building. “Attack of the Titan” is also supported by the mainstream media, its longevity and the success of its manga book series. People might find it way too violent, like I did, but that’s OK. So if you are looking for something violent and disturbing for some watchers, “Attack on Titan: The Final Season” is for you. Beware, though, because this anime might keep you on the edge of your seat.

No. 1: I won’t assume everybody knows “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba,” but since Season 2 came out, the show’s ratings have been going up. First, before I explain why I chose it as No. 1, let me catch everybody up on the story. “Demon Slayer” is about slaying demons (of course), and the few people who slay them are called Hashiras. The main characters, Tanjiro and Nezuko, are on a mission to kill the most powerful demon known as Muzan. Muzan killed Nezuko’s family, and then turned him into a demon.

Now let me tell you why “Demon Slayer” is the best anime of 2022. It ranks first not just for its excellent story, but also for its animation and concept. It can be very violent, but its premise is excellent. Overall, with a bit of comedy and a lot of battling, Demon Slayer is an amazing anime.

So there you have it, folks, the top five 2022 animes – they just might be the animes that you’ve been looking for.