Top Anime Series Of 2022: A Year In Review

Hey anime fanatics! 2022 was an absolutely epic year for anime, wasn't it? We saw a ton of amazing series grace our screens, from long-awaited sequels to fresh, original stories that blew us away. If you're anything like me, you probably had a hard time keeping up with everything! So, let's take a trip down memory lane and revisit some of the best anime series of 2022. This is your ultimate guide, filled with recommendations, highlights, and a little bit of my personal hype for some truly unforgettable shows. Get ready to add some new titles to your watchlist, because trust me, you're gonna want to check these out!

The Titans Return: Highly Anticipated Sequels

2022 was a year of triumphant returns! We finally got to see what happened next in several major anime sagas that fans had been eagerly waiting for. This year was all about the sequels! One of the biggest and most talked-about returns was undoubtedly Attack on Titan: The Final Season Part 2. Guys, the stakes were incredibly high, the action was mind-blowing, and the emotional impact was absolutely devastating! The animation quality was superb, and the storytelling continued to be as captivating as ever, finally concluding this epic series. Honestly, I'm still not over some of those scenes! Beyond the spectacle, Attack on Titan continued to offer profound commentary on war, freedom, and the complexities of human nature. This sequel definitely didn't disappoint. It perfectly brought the story to a satisfying – albeit bittersweet – close. Then, there was the highly anticipated second season of Spy x Family. The Forger family continued to charm us with their quirky dynamics and thrilling missions. The blend of action, comedy, and heartwarming family moments made this series a true joy to watch. From Anya's adorable antics to Loid's suave spy skills and Yor's deadly abilities, every episode was a delight. The animation was vibrant, the characters were lovable, and the pacing was perfect. It was one of the most comforting and consistently entertaining series of the year. This show really hit the spot! But that wasn't all! We also got more of Kaguya-sama: Love is War - Ultra Romantic, which elevated the series even further with its hilarious romantic battles and surprisingly touching moments of vulnerability. The animation, the music, and the voice acting were all top-notch, enhancing the already brilliant storytelling. Seeing the characters develop and their relationship grow was truly rewarding, and the show's unique blend of comedy and romance made it a standout. This season of Kaguya-sama truly earned its title and provided a fantastic experience for all the fans. These sequels not only met but often exceeded the expectations of their fans. They reminded us why we love these stories so much and proved that a well-executed continuation can be just as impactful as the original. If you are looking for a captivating story with a lot of emotional and high-quality storytelling, these anime series of 2022 are for you.

More Sequels and Returning Favorites

• JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Stone Ocean: The latest installment of the iconic series, this part delivered more of the bizarre action and stylish visuals that fans adore. The story, set in a prison, had us on the edge of our seats!
• My Hero Academia Season 6: The heroes faced their toughest challenges yet, with intense battles and significant character development. The animation and action sequences were truly something to behold!
• Made in Abyss: The Golden City of the Scorching Sun: Continuing the dark and fascinating exploration of the Abyss, this season expanded the world and deepened the mysteries. If you like fantasy, you will love this!

New Gems: Original Series and Fresh Adaptations

While sequels dominated the scene, 2022 also saw the birth of some incredible new anime that quickly won our hearts. These original anime series and fresh adaptations brought fresh ideas and exciting narratives to the table, proving that the anime world is constantly evolving and full of surprises. One of the most talked-about new series was Chainsaw Man. This action-packed series is based on the popular manga, and it features a unique blend of dark humor, over-the-top violence, and a surprisingly compelling story. The animation, produced by MAPPA, was absolutely stunning, and the opening theme song was iconic! The characters are instantly memorable, and the world-building is fascinating and brutal. If you are a fan of dark fantasy, Chainsaw Man is for you! Moreover, Chainsaw Man offered a fresh take on the action genre with a unique visual style and engaging characters. Another highlight was Lycoris Recoil. This original series brought a refreshing blend of action and slice-of-life elements, with a focus on two young assassins working to protect their city. The character interactions were endearing, the action was well-choreographed, and the story had plenty of twists and turns to keep us hooked. The animation was bright and colorful, with a unique visual style that set it apart. It was a delightful surprise and quickly became a fan favorite. Then there was Bocchi the Rock!, a quirky and charming comedy about a shy girl who dreams of becoming a rock star. The animation style, which blends traditional anime with creative visual effects, helped bring the story and characters to life. This anime managed to be funny, relatable, and heartwarming all at the same time. The series resonated with audiences who appreciated the struggles and triumphs of its relatable characters. These new series showed us that anime is constantly evolving, with new stories and characters to captivate audiences. They offered a refreshing break from the established tropes and proved that originality and creativity are alive and well in the anime world.

Other Notable New Series

• Cyberpunk: Edgerunners: A thrilling adaptation of the popular video game, with stunning visuals and an action-packed story. This series was a visual feast!
• Summer Time Rendering: A suspenseful mystery with time-travel elements and unique art style. It kept me on the edge of my seat!
• Heike Monogatari: A beautiful and moving historical drama that showcases the power of storytelling.

Genre Highlights: Action, Romance, and Everything in Between

2022 offered a diverse range of genres, from thrilling action to heartwarming romance. There was something for everyone. Action anime continued to dominate the scene with high-octane battles and captivating stories. From the explosive fights in Attack on Titan to the stylish action in Chainsaw Man, fans were treated to some of the best animation and fight choreography in the industry. For those looking for romance, series like Kaguya-sama: Love is War and even Spy x Family provided their share of heartwarming moments and comedic relief. These stories offered a delightful escape, with characters you could root for and relationships that felt real and engaging. The blend of genres proved that anime has something for everyone, whether you prefer fast-paced action or a more tender narrative.

Action-Packed Anime

• Chainsaw Man: Explosive action, dark humor, and memorable characters. Absolutely a must-watch!
• Attack on Titan: The Final Season Part 2: Epic battles, intense drama, and a satisfying conclusion.
• My Hero Academia Season 6: The heroes faced their toughest challenges in battles, making it a great action anime.

Romantic and Heartwarming Anime

• Kaguya-sama: Love is War - Ultra Romantic: Hilarious romantic battles and touching moments. Perfect for a cozy night!
• Spy x Family: A heartwarming story of a found family with action, comedy, and love.
• Teasing Master Takagi-san 3: A sweet and funny story of two middle schoolers navigating their relationship. This will make you smile!

Conclusion: A Year to Remember in Anime

2022 was an outstanding year for anime, with a wealth of amazing series that left a lasting impression on fans. From the return of beloved classics to the arrival of exciting new shows, there was no shortage of entertainment and innovation. Whether you're a long-time anime fan or just getting started, the shows on this list are a great place to start. This year reminded us of the power of anime to tell compelling stories, showcase stunning visuals, and connect with audiences from all over the world. So, grab your snacks, settle in, and get ready to enjoy some of the best anime that 2022 had to offer! And hey, don't forget to share your favorite anime series of 2022 in the comments below! Happy watching, everyone!