10 Modern Anime Series That Are True Masterpieces

The 1990s popularized anime in the West, the 2000s delivered some of the most iconic shows, and the 2010s improved animation quality and made it more accessible to the world. So what influences have the 2020s had on the medium? That question isn’t so easily answered, and as it’s only halfway done, there is still plenty of time to answer it. However, every decade has its masterpieces, from Cowboy Bebop to Monster.

Just because this decade isn’t over, it doesn’t mean there aren’t modern masterpieces that are influential, iconic, and popular. This list will rank ten modern anime masterpieces based on popularity, critical acclaim, fan opinion, originality, animation, story, consistency, how iconic and revolutionary they are, and overall quality. While modern is loosely defined, this list will only include new anime that came out in the 2020s.

10

‘Delicious in Dungeon’ (2024-)

2024 was an excellent year for anime, and one of the best was Delicious in Dungeon. When a dungeon exploring party loses a member, they decide to travel back down to retrieve them, but with no supplies or funds, they choose to kill, cook, and eat the monsters they encounter, whether delicious or disgusting.

Delicious in Dungeon is the best 2024 anime for a reason: its originality, fun characters, building story, and animation make for some of the best modern entertainment. This anime isn’t just flashy and fun; it also has a story that develops in fascinating ways, creating an intriguing plot that doesn’t lose its charm, gourmet creations, or unique worldbuilding.

9

‘Odd Taxi’ (2021)

One of the biggest and most pleasant modern surprises was Odd Taxi, which seemed like a typical anime but became a sensation. Odokawa is a taxi driver who doesn’t like to intrude on his customers’ business. Still, when many of his patrons seem to be involved in a crime and conspiracy, he becomes the missing puzzle piece that will shed light on this mystery.

Odd Taxi is one of the best mystery anime, period, making it a must-watch show that highlights this decade of anime. The characters are engaging, and the mystery is intriguing, further elevated by a weird yet still immersive world that never stops surprising. However, the best part is easily the shocking plot twist that surprised everyone, resulting in one of the greatest anime endings ever.

8

‘Link Click’ (2021-)

Chinese anime are becoming increasingly popular with titles such as Lord of Mysteries and To Be Hero X. But one of the best is Link Click, which follows a duo with the mysterious power to enter photos of their customers. They make a living by investigating personal mysteries and requests, but what happens when it becomes too personal?

Hooking fans with its fascinating premise, the story, along with its emotion, depth, and characters, will keep viewers watching. It has some complicated plot twists and unexpected moments, creating a magnificent plot that is an underrated gem of this decade. Link Click is a great starter show for Chinese anime, arguably the best, and wholly deserving of a wider audience.

7

‘City The Animation’ (2025)

2025 isn’t over yet, but this year already has some remarkable anime series that can be considered masterpieces, such as City The Animation. From the creator and studio of Nichijou, this anime follows the residents of a goofy and chaotic town and the shenanigans they get up to. From friends looking for a quick buck to high school love to wealthy heirs, this town is full of quirky individuals.

City The Animation is already a strong contender for anime of the year, and it’s all because of Kyoto Animation, which animated it. The directing, editing, writing, animation, art, and music are all flawless, proving that comedies can be masterpieces. The humor is wholesome, surreal, and goofy, the characters are eccentric, and the fun is nonstop. City The Animation is one of the most creative anime ever, and therefore sets a new standard that makes it a masterpiece.

6

‘The Apothecary Diaries’ (2023-)

A couple of notable anime took the world by storm in 2023, and one of them was The Apothecary Diaries, which already has around 50 episodes. After being sold into the imperial court, Maomao works as an apothecary, attendant, and detective, using her expertise to solve mysteries around the inner palace.

The Apothecary Diaries has quickly established itself as a critically acclaimed anime with an outstanding plot, compelling characters, and an unpredictable mystery. Maomao is an excellent protagonist who uses their medical expertise to solve complicated mysteries and political situations. The Apothecary Diaries is complex and well-written, mastering a slow-burning story that results in a masterful inferno.

5

‘86’ (2021)

Since all of the anime on this list are masterpieces, none of them should be overlooked or underrated, yet 86 still isn’t talked about as much as it should be. In a seemingly utopian society, the powerful and pure have relegated the rest of humanity to the warzone, where the elite give them commands in the never-ending mechanical war.

Some may say 86 is another typical mech anime with a surface-level message, but that would be entirely wrong. This complex and fascinating tale handles these themes with nuance while also delivering action, engaging characters, and profound meaning. 86 is exhilarating and captivating at the same time, and a valid return to form for the mecha genre, which has faced considerable trouble since its ’70s and ’80s heyday.

4

‘Cyberpunk: Edgerunners’ (2022-)

The recent news of a new season of Cyberpunk: Edgerunners took fans by surprise, as the original story ended perfectly. Based on Mike Pondsmith’s world of Cyberpunk 2077, this story follows David, who joins a gang with his advanced spine implant after the corrupt government lets his mother die.

Cyberpunk: Edgerunners was an unexpected masterpiece, featuring over-the-top animation, vibrant visuals, an art style, colors, and a chaotic vibe. Despite its in-your-face presence, it still managed to deliver a thoughtful and meaningful story with plenty of insight. From its tragic ending to insane action and eye-popping animation, this anime was one of a kind.

3

‘Frieren: Beyond Journeys End’ (2023-)

Almost everyone was expecting Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End to be on this list, and as season two approaches, it has the chance to move up further. Decades after defeating the demon king, Frieren and her party part ways, only to realize that some of them had passed away before she got to say her true feelings. Now, with a new party made up of their pupils, Frieren sets out to the land of the dead on a nostalgic journey to reconnect with her friends.

Some may not like its slow pace, but it proves that good storytelling takes time and shows that stopping on side quests is half of the fun. Its serene atmosphere and calming nature create a blissful watch that has magnificent characters and remarkable moments. Plus, with the occasional burst of animation and action, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is a true masterpiece. This anime will no doubt be higher on this list in the future, leaving its mark as one of the most influential anime of the 2020s.

2

‘Pluto’ (2023)

Naoki Urasawa is a legend known for his other works, such as Monster, with Pluto being his most recent work to be animated. In a world where robots and androids roam free, a murder spree of important individuals and androids arises. Gesicht is on the case to solve this mystery and discover who the culprit is, but the secret may be connected to his past.

Some may think Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End should be higher, but the top two entries are both completed and can thus be judged based on their entire story. Pluto is one of the best anime mysteries ever, but it also has enough emotion to make viewers cry. Its in-depth story, emotional weight and complexity build a memorable experience and is one of the best anime series of this decade.

1

‘Orb: On the Movements of the Earth’ (2024)

All of the anime on this list deserve to be called masterpieces, but one of the most original and groundbreaking modern series is Orb: On the Movements of Earth. Set in 15th-century Poland, it follows a group of scholars and their pursuit to prove heliocentrism in an age where the church rules. It follows multiple protagonists throughout the years in the endless quest for truth and science.

No anime has done what Orb: On the Movements of Earth has, creating a genuinely well-written and enjoyable story with multiple protagonists and a groundbreaking theme. Orb is perfect from start to finish, with a philosophical presence and discussion that is profound and meaningful, a motivational message to never give up and about how humanity has progressed and evolved. The characters are compelling, and the narrative is flawless, resulting in a unique anime that proves this decade is ripe with masterpieces only halfway in.