12 Modern Anime Masterpieces That Make the Classics Look ...

12 Modern Anime Masterpieces That Make the Classics Look Overrated

Frieren with her hand up, shielding her eyes from the sun in the Frieren anime.

By Zach Zamora Published 23 minutes ago Zach joined the ScreenRant Anime team as a contributor in June 2024, before taking on a Senior Writer role in November. Since then, he has covered breaking news and produced features and lists about the most popular anime titles. Sign in to your ScreenRant account Summary Generate a summary of this story follow Follow followed Followed Like Like Thread Log in Here is a fact-based summary of the story contents: Try something different: Show me the facts Explain it like I’m 5 Give me a lighthearted recap

The anime fandom is filled with all sorts of groups, each supporting a certain show, genre, or even era. Among those groups are anime fans convinced that the classics will never be outdone. While the global support for anime is greater today than ever, it cannot be denied that some classics are better than the majority of today's biggest shows.

However, that doesn't mean that modern anime is lacking in any way. In fact, a number of shows released in recent years are considered by many to be masterpieces. The classics will always have their crowd, but these 12 modern shows prove anime is better than it's ever been before.

Vinland Saga

Animated by Wit Studio and MAPPA, Based on the Manga by Makoto Yukimura

Thorfinn and Askeladd looking off into the distance after the prologue

Anime and manga fans have a history of grouping certain stories into 'big threes'. Most popular is the Shōnen Jump Big Three of the 2000s, and when it comes to seinen manga, fans typically identify the Big Three as Berserk, Vagabond, and Vinland Saga. However, only Vinland Saga has received a popular, highly acclaimed anime adaptation.

The 2019 anime series follows the life of Thorfinn, a young and brutal warrior turned slave, who eventually becomes a trader and adventurer. Vinland Saga was masterfully brought to life by Wit Studio in season one, and then MAPPA in the incredibly popular second season.

Vinland Saga features high-quality visuals and action, while also tackling topics like revenge, redemption, and the never-ending pursuit of freedom.

Frieren: Beyond Journey's End

Animated by Madhouse, Based on the Manga by Kanehito Yamada and Tsukasa Abe

Frieren, Fern, and Stark standing in the forest in Frieren: Beyond Journey's End.

Coming seemingly from out of nowhere during the winter 2023 anime season, Frieren: Beyond Journey's End quickly went from sleeper hit to one of the biggest anime series of the 2020s over the course of its first season. The prolific studio Madhouse stunned the anime world with Frieren, and will again steal the spotlight with the series' second season in January 2026.

The series takes the standard fantasy formula and does something a little different with it, following the titular elven mage after her major heroic journey has been completed. Frieren, being an elf, has a longer lifespan than humans, and must come to terms with the fact that she will outlive those she loves.

Frieren: Beyond Journey's End is a highly emotional series that's also able to turn up the action when the moment calls for it.

Orb: On the Movements of the Earth

Animated by Madhouse, Based on the Manga by Uoto

Rafal appearing excited with a clear and colorful night sky behind him.

As Frieren was studio Madhouse's surprise hit of winter 2023, Orb: On the Movements of the Earth became Madhouse's surprise hit of winter 2024, arriving on the scene and stealing the spotlight from other established titles in the anime industry. Though the series' historical sci-fi premise might catch viewers off-guard, it doesn't take long for Orb to win over its fans.

The series is set in 15th century Europe, where the Church controls information and anything deemed to be heresy is punishable by death. Rafal, a young child interested in astronomy, has his world changed when he meets a heretic scholar researching the Earth's movements. Orb: On the Movements of the Earth is worth a watch, no matter where fans' tastes align.

Chainsaw Man

Animated by MAPPA, Based on the Manga by Tatsuki Fujimoto

Denji appearing run down while Pochita dances around him in Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc.

Every few years, a new Shōnen Jump anime comes along and forever leaves its mark on the battle shōnen genre. With one full season and a movie under its belt, Chainsaw Man appears to be one of those shows. Denji is one of anime's most compelling and relatable protagonists in years, and the series' success reflects as much.

Chainsaw Man is set in an alternate 1997 Tokyo and follows Denji, a down-on-his-luck teen deprived of practically everything a human needs to survive. When his life is threatened, his pet devil Pochita replaces Denji's heart, and the titular Chainsaw Man is born. Following the success of its first movie, Chainsaw Man has established itself as one of anime's top titles.

Cyberpunk: Edgerunners

Animated by Trigger and CD Projekt, Based on the Video Game by CD Projekt Red

Adaptations of video games have historically been hit or miss, regardless of the medium into which they're adapted. However, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners is an example of an adaptation not just capturing the essence of its source material, but also building on established lore to tell a highly original story set in the Cyberpunk 2077 universe.

The dark and stylish Night City story of David Martinez has haunted fans around the world since its Netflix debut in 2022, and will continue to break the hearts of anime fans for years to come. Cyberpunk: Edgerunners season two is currently in production, though there has been no confirmed release date.

Mob Psycho 100

Animated by Bones, Based on the Manga by ONE

Mob with his hand raised, looking upward in Mob Psycho 100.

Arriving into the battle shōnen genre at a time when most of the popular protagonists in the scene were somewhat one-dimensional, Mob Psycho 100 rose to popularity by putting its action second to the internal conflict and personal growth of its main character, Mob. That doesn't mean the series' action is lacking, though.

Mob Psycho 100 is an action-packed battle shōnen smash hit that's just as moving as it is hilarious. Mob is a powerful esper who suppresses his psychic abilities after a childhood accident left him traumatized. Over the course of the series, he's faced with threats that force him to both unleash his powers and come to terms with himself.

Jujutsu Kaisen

Animated by MAPPA, Based on the Manga by Gege Akutami

Yuji Itadori holding a paper bag in Jujutsu Kaisen anime

Despite how some might feel about it, battle shōnen is the most popular genre of anime in the world, and many of its top titles have helped anime become the mainstream form of entertainment it is today. In recent years, Jujutsu Kaisen has battled the likes of Demon Slayer and the ever popular One Piece for the shōnen anime throne.

The series might not push its genre's boundaries, but it masterfully uses the tried and true battle shōnen tropes to tell a compelling, action-fueled narrative in a darker world than that of many of its contemporaries. Jujutsu Kaisen is one of the most popular anime series of the decade, and is set to return in its third season this coming January.

Odd Taxi

Animated by OLM, Original Anime Series

Hiroshi Odokawa standing in a crowd in Odd Taxi.

2021's Odd Taxi is one of the most underappreciated anime series of the decade. Its anthropomorphic cast of characters might be a tough sell to some anime fans, but those willing to give the series a chance usually find that it doesn't take long to become entirely captivated by its world and characters.

Odd Taxi is a suspenseful mystery series following Hiroshi Odokawa, a middle-aged walrus taxi driver who, despite not being the most social character, connects with those he transports around Tokyo. However, those riders lead him into a series of crimes in which he becomes the number one suspect.

Attack on Titan

Animated by Wit Studio and MAPPA, Based on the Manga by Hajime Isayama

Eren, Mikasa, and Levi as seen in Attack on Titan

Attack on Titan is one of those rare shows that's achieved the status of anime royalty. Following its debut in 2013, the series became a phenomenon in the West, and played a major role in anime's ongoing boom in worldwide popularity. Until its conclusion in 2023, the airing of new episodes became an event in the anime community every week.

Attack on Titan takes place in a dark and somewhat hopeless post-apocalyptic setting, and follows Eren Yeager, a boy who loses his home and mother in a Titan attack. Following his entry into the Survey Corps, Eren's life is turned upside down, and his downfall becomes must-see television. Attack on Titan remains incredibly popular over a decade on from its premiere.

My Hero Academia

Animated by Bones, Based on the Manga by Kohei Horikoshi

Deku charging at his enemy in My Hero Academia Final Season

Alongside Attack on Titan, My Hero Academia became a major part of anime's global mainstream breakthrough during the mid-to-late 2010s. Where a series like Jujutsu Kaisen takes the classic shōnen tropes and puts a modern coat of paint on them, My Hero Academia sticks close to the rule book to achieve a sort of battle shōnen perfection.

The series is set in a world where humans have gained superpowers in the form of Quirks, and follows Deku Midoriya, a boy born Quirkless who dreams of becoming a Hero anyway. My Hero Academia is currently in its final season, and is quickly reminding anime fans why it's been one of the most popular shows of the last decade.

Anime

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