Best Anime Of 2020: Our Top 5 Picks

Hey guys! The year 2020 might have been a wild ride for the world, but for anime fans, it was a absolute banger! We got treated to some seriously awesome shows, whether you're into heart-pounding action, mind-bending stories, or heartwarming slice-of-life moments. Trying to pick just a few favorites from such a stacked year can be tough, but we've put in the work, binged our hearts out, and narrowed it down to our top 5 anime of 2020. Get ready, because some of these might surprise you, and others are just the absolute must-watch series you've probably heard all the hype about. So, grab your snacks, get comfy, and let's dive into the animated wonders that made 2020 unforgettable.

1. Jujutsu Kaisen

If you're even remotely into shonen anime, or just fantastic action sequences with a dark fantasy twist, then Jujutsu Kaisen is an absolute no-brainer for our top spot. Seriously, this show took 2020 by storm, and for good reason! We're talking about a story that grips you from the very first episode and doesn't let go. The premise is simple yet effective: Yuji Itadori, a high school student with superhuman physical abilities, stumbles upon a cursed, ancient talisman – a finger belonging to the fearsome curse Ryomen Sukuna. In a desperate bid to save his friends from a monstrous curse attack, Yuji swallows the finger, becoming a vessel for Sukuna. This immediately throws him into the world of Jujutsu Sorcerers, individuals who fight against these malevolent spirits born from negative human emotions. The animation quality in Jujutsu Kaisen is simply stunning. MAPPA, the studio behind it, absolutely smashed it out of the park with fluid fight choreography, dynamic character designs, and incredibly detailed backgrounds. Every cursed spirit feels genuinely terrifying, and every battle is a visual spectacle. Beyond the eye-popping visuals, the characters are what truly make this series shine. Yuji is a refreshingly positive and determined protagonist, even when faced with immense danger and the dark reality of his situation. His mentor, the enigmatic and powerful Gojo Satoru, is an instant fan favorite, bringing both incredible power and a good dose of humor to the series. Even the villains are compelling, adding layers to the narrative. The world-building is also top-notch, introducing a complex system of cursed energy and techniques that keeps you hooked. It’s the kind of anime that keeps you on the edge of your seat, making you gasp, cheer, and sometimes even shed a tear. Jujutsu Kaisen isn't just another action anime; it's a masterclass in storytelling, animation, and character development that cemented its place as one of the best of 2020, and honestly, one of the best of the decade.

2. Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World Season 2

Alright, buckle up, because if you thought the first season of Re:Zero was intense, Season 2 took things to a whole new level of psychological drama and emotional torment. For anyone new to the series, imagine being transported to a fantasy world where your only power is the ability to 'Return by Death'. That's right, Subaru Natsuki can die, but he always wakes up at a specific point in time before his death, retaining his memories. Sounds cool, right? Wrong. It's a brutal, soul-crushing cycle that Subaru endures, and Season 2 dives deep into the psychological toll this takes on him. We see Subaru grappling with severe depression, self-doubt, and the trauma of countless deaths. It's a dark and often difficult watch, but that's precisely what makes it so compelling. The anime doesn't shy away from the grim realities of Subaru's situation, forcing him (and us, the viewers) to confront the consequences of his actions and his inability to protect those he cares about. The plot in Season 2 expands upon the mystery of the Witch's Cult and the Royal Selection, introducing new characters and complex political intrigue. The stakes are higher than ever, and the emotional resonance is profound. You really feel Subaru's desperation, his moments of fleeting hope, and his crushing despair. The character development, especially for Subaru, is phenomenal. We witness his growth, his struggles, and his moments of resilience, which makes him one of the most complex and relatable protagonists in modern anime. The animation remains strong, perfectly capturing the emotional turmoil and the grim atmosphere of the story. Re:Zero Season 2 is a testament to how Isekai can be more than just wish fulfillment; it can be a vehicle for exploring deep psychological themes and human suffering. It’s a heavy watch, for sure, but incredibly rewarding for those who appreciate a narrative that isn't afraid to go to dark places and explore the human psyche.

3. Kaguya-sama: Love Is War Season 2

Now, let's switch gears from existential dread to pure, unadulterated comedic genius, shall we? Kaguya-sama: Love Is War Season 2 absolutely dominated the rom-com scene in 2020, proving that you can have complex characters and hilarious situations all wrapped up in one perfect package. If you haven't seen it, the premise is simple: Kaguya Shinomiya and Miyuki Shirogane are geniuses, popular, and the top students at their elite academy. The catch? They're both too proud to confess their feelings for each other, so they engage in an elaborate psychological war, trying to force the other to confess first. It's a battle of wits, schemes, and ridiculously over-the-top internal monologues. Season 2 took everything that made the first season great and amplified it tenfold. The mind games became even more intricate, the characters' eccentricities were explored further, and the humor reached new heights. We got deeper dives into the backstories of side characters like Hayasaka and Ishigami, adding so much more depth to the narrative and making them just as lovable (or hilariously frustrating) as Kaguya and Shirogane. The animation is vibrant and stylish, perfectly complementing the fast-paced comedic timing and the dramatic flair of the