It's the season to be jolly, but it's also the season where we look back at all the anime that came out this year. From new isekai titles to new action shows, 2023 was an eventful year for anime fans. Among the titles released this year, let’s find out which is the best anime of 2023!
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Presenting the Epicstream Anime Awards' Nominees for the Best Anime of 2023!
There were many anime that came out in 2023. In fact, every season, we get almost 40–50 new shows, each offering different genres and new stories.
Some of them stood out and broke the internet, while others underwhelmed the viewers.
A lot of anime shows also faced numerous delays, which raised concerns from the anime community.
There were discussions about how mismanagement issues, production scheduling, the impact of COVID-19, and burnout contribute to the situation.
Still, 2023 was a busy year filled with some of the best anime shows of all time. Let’s take a closer look at the nominees for the best anime of 2023!
The Apothecary Diaries
The Fall 2023 anime season brought The Apothecary Diaries to the spotlight. It is a blend of historical, medical, drama, and mystery and features a very likable protagonist named Maomao.
Maomao is an apothecary by profession who found herself being sold at the inner palace of Li. There, Maomao rose to the ranks after she became an attendant and poison taster to one of the concubines of the Emperor.
Follow Maomao’s journey in The Apothecary Diaries as she solves one medical mystery after another!
Vinland Saga Season 2
MAPPA takes over the second season of Vinland Saga from Wit Studio this year. It came out during Winter 2023 and gave us 24 episodes, chronicling Thorfinn’s story on Ketil’s farm.
While Vinland Saga Season 1 introduced Thorfinn as a young man who’s thirsty for revenge, the second season brought us a different kind of Thorfinn.
It’s all about his character development as he opens his eyes to what it takes to become a true warrior like his late father.
Vinland Saga Season 2 is full of exciting but emotional moments that will always be etched in our hearts.
Oshi no Ko
The Spring 2023 anime season gave us Oshi no Ko, an anime adaptation based on the manga of the same name written by Aka Akasaka (Kaguya-sama: Love Is War) and illustrated by Mengo Yokoyari (Scum’s Wish).
What we thought would be a fun and sweet idol anime turned out to be one of the darkest anime shows this year!
It delves into the ugly side of the idol and showbiz industries, giving everyone a closer look at how things work behind the scenes.
Get ready to meet Ai Hoshino, the famous idol, who aspires to feel and understand what true love is!
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End was one of the most hotly anticipated anime of 2023, not just in the fall season.
It is a different kind of fantasy anime that deviates from the usual plot premise where the main characters embark on a journey to defeat the demon king.
Instead, Frieren shows what happened to the main characters after they defeated the demon king.
It also touches on different aspects of human life, as Frieren goes on a quest to understand humans better and how they perceive time.
Will Frieren be able to appreciate and understand humans more?
And, the Best Anime of 2023 Is…
Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 checks all the boxes on our list. The second season brought to life one of the best shonen arcs of all time, and it never disappointed!
It boasts amazing opening and ending songs, top-tier production values, perfectly executed fighting sequences, interesting characters, and a thrilling storyline. It continues to be an enjoyable series for fans around the world.
If you think Season 1 is good and cool enough, then Season 2 will surpass your expectations.
Did your bet make it to our nominees for the best anime of 2023? Share your thoughts and connect with us at our X account!
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