Top 20 Seasonal Anime of 2013

Starting a new decade gives us the perfect opportunity to have a look at the previous decade’s worth of anime. Starting with the year 2010, we will go through the top 5 anime of each season for each year.

Top 5 anime of Winter 2013

1 Mondaiji-tachi ga Isekai kara Kuru Sou Desu yo? / Problem children are coming from another world, aren’t they?

Episodes: 10
Studios: Diomedea
Source: Light novel
Genres: Action, Comedy, Fantasy, Supernatural

Synopsis

Izayoi Sakamaki, Asuka Kudou, and You Kasukabe are extraordinary teenagers who are blessed with psychic powers but completely fed up with their disproportionately mundane lives—until, unexpectedly, each of them receives a strange envelope containing an invitation to a mysterious place known as Little Garden.

Inexplicably dropped into a vast new world, the trio is greeted by Kurousagi, who explains that they have been given a once-in-a-lifetime chance to participate in special high-stakes games using their abilities. In order to take part, however, they must first join a community. Learning that Kurousagi’s community “No Names” has lost its official status and bountiful land due to their defeat at the hands of a demon lord, the group sets off to help reclaim their new home’s dignity, eager to protect its residents and explore the excitement that Little Garden has to offer.

2 Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai Next / Haganai: I don’t have many friends NEXT

Episodes: 12
Studios: AIC Build
Source: Light novel
Genres: Harem, Slice of Life, Comedy, Romance, School

Synopsis
The Neighbor’s Club—a club founded for the purpose of making friends, where misfortunate boys and girls with few friends live out their regrettable lives.

Although Yozora Mikazuki faced a certain incident at the end of summer, the daily life of the Neighbor’s Club goes on as usual. A strange nun, members of the student council and other new faces make an appearance, causing Kodaka Hasegawa’s life to grow even busier.

While they all enjoy going to the amusement park, playing games, celebrating birthdays, and challenging the “school festival”—a symbol of the school life normal people live—the relations amongst the members slowly begins to change…

Let the next stage begin, on this unfortunate coming-of-age love comedy!!

3 Nekomonogatari: Kuro

Episodes: 4
Studios: Shaft
Source: Light novel
Genres: Comedy, Supernatural, Romance, Ecchi

Synopsis

After surviving a vampire attack, Koyomi Araragi notices that his friend and savior, Tsubasa Hanekawa, has been acting strange. When he happens to cross paths with her on his way to a bookstore and sees she has a bandage on her face, he knows something must definitely be wrong. Araragi wants to help her, but Hanekawa assures him that her wound is just something she received at home and that he should not concern himself with it. But when a white cat with no tail is hit and killed by a car, the pair bury the creature and the real trouble begins.

When Araragi later pays a visit to his friend Meme Oshino and recounts the day’s events, he is informed what they have buried is actually an apparition, one perfect for Hanekawa in her current state. Tasked with finding his friend to confirm her safety, he discovers that she has attacked her parents, possessed by the “Sawari Neko.” Now, it is up to Araragi to help Hanekawa as she once helped him.

4 Ore no Kanojo to Osananajimi ga Shuraba Sugiru / Oreshura

Episodes: 13
Studios: A-1 Pictures
Source: Light novel
Genres: Comedy, Harem, Romance, School

Synopsis

The infidelity of Eita Kidou’s parents not only made his family fall apart but also made him sceptic of love. Having no intention to delve into romance, Eita devotes his entire high school life to his studies in order to become a doctor.

It did not take long for the beautiful and popular Masuzu Natsukawa to notice Eita’s apathy. Tired of being the object of people’s affection, she asks him to pretend to be her boyfriend, as she too feels disgusted at the notion of love. Eita, however, refuses—yet Masuzu has one trick left up her sleeve: Eita’s journal and threatening to post the embarrassing content online if he does not comply.

Now entangled in a fake romance with the most desired girl at school, Eita’s life is turned upside down. Whether envied by his peers or receiving a confession, he must cope with his newfound relationship and all the troubles that come along with it.

5 Maoyuu Maou Yuusha

Episodes: 12
Studios: Arms
Source: Light novel
Genres: Adventure, Demons, Romance, Fantasy

Synopsis
Fifteen years have passed since the war between humans and demons began. Dissatisfied with their slow advance into the Demon Realm, the Hero abandons his companions to quickly forge ahead towards the Demon Queen’s castle. Upon his arrival at the royal abode, the Hero makes a startling discovery: not only is the Demon Queen a woman of unparalleled beauty, but she also seeks the Hero’s help. Confused by this unexpected turn of events, the Hero refuses to ally himself with his enemy, claiming that the war the demons have waged is tearing the Southern Nations apart.

However, the Demon Queen rebuts, arguing that the war has not only united humanity but has also brought them wealth and prosperity, providing evidence to support her claims. Furthermore, she explains that if the war were to end, the supplies sent by the Central Nations in aid to the Southern Nations would cease, leaving hundreds of thousands to starve. Fortunately, she offers the Hero a way to end the war while bringing hope not only to the Southern Nations, but also to the rest of the world, though she will need his assistance to make this a reality.

Finally convinced, the Hero agrees to join his now former enemy in her quest. Vowing to stay together through sickness and health, they set off for the human world.

Top anime of Spring 2013

1 Shingeki no Kyojin / Attack on Titan

Episodes: 25
Studios: Wit Studio
Source: Manga
Genres: Action, Military, Mystery, Super Power, Drama, Fantasy, Shounen

Synopsis
Centuries ago, mankind was slaughtered to near extinction by monstrous humanoid creatures called titans, forcing humans to hide in fear behind enormous concentric walls. What makes these giants truly terrifying is that their taste for human flesh is not born out of hunger but what appears to be out of pleasure. To ensure their survival, the remnants of humanity began living within defensive barriers, resulting in one hundred years without a single titan encounter. However, that fragile calm is soon shattered when a colossal titan manages to breach the supposedly impregnable outer wall, reigniting the fight for survival against the man-eating abominations.

After witnessing a horrific personal loss at the hands of the invading creatures, Eren Yeager dedicates his life to their eradication by enlisting into the Survey Corps, an elite military unit that combats the merciless humanoids outside the protection of the walls. Based on Hajime Isayama’s award-winning manga, Shingeki no Kyojin follows Eren, along with his adopted sister Mikasa Ackerman and his childhood friend Armin Arlert, as they join the brutal war against the titans and race to discover a way of defeating them before the last walls are breached.

2 Hataraku Maou-sama! / The Devil is a Part-Timer!

Episodes: 13
Studios: White Fox
Source: Light novel
Genres: Comedy, Demons, Supernatural, Romance, Fantasy

Synopsis
Striking fear into the hearts of mortals, the Demon Lord Satan begins to conquer the land of Ente Isla with his vast demon armies. However, while embarking on this brutal quest to take over the continent, his efforts are foiled by the hero Emilia, forcing Satan to make his swift retreat through a dimensional portal only to land in the human world. Along with his loyal general Alsiel, the demon finds himself stranded in modern-day Tokyo and vows to return and complete his subjugation of Ente Isla—that is, if they can find a way back!

Powerless in a world without magic, Satan assumes the guise of a human named Sadao Maou and begins working at MgRonald’s—a local fast-food restaurant—to make ends meet. He soon realizes that his goal of conquering Ente Isla is just not enough as he grows determined to climb the corporate ladder and become the ruler of Earth, one satisfied customer at a time!

Whether it’s part-time work, household chores, or simply trying to pay the rent on time, Hataraku Maou-sama! presents a hilarious view of the most mundane aspects of everyday life, all through the eyes of a hapless demon lord.

3 Yahari Ore no Seishun Love Comedy wa Machigatteiru. / My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU

Episodes: 13
Studios: Brain’s Base
Source: Light novel
Genres: Slice of Life, Comedy, Drama, Romance, School

Synopsis
Hachiman Hikigaya is an apathetic high school student with narcissistic and semi-nihilistic tendencies. He firmly believes that joyful youth is nothing but a farce, and everyone who says otherwise is just lying to themselves.

In a novel punishment for writing an essay mocking modern social relationships, Hachiman’s teacher forces him to join the Volunteer Service Club, a club that aims to extend a helping hand to any student who seeks their support in achieving their goals. With the only other club member being the beautiful ice queen Yukino Yukinoshita, Hachiman finds himself on the front line of other people’s problems—a place he never dreamed he would be. As Hachiman and Yukino use their wits to solve many students’ problems, will Hachiman’s rotten view of society prove to be a hindrance or a tool he can use to his advantage?

4 Date A Live

Episodes: 12
Studios: AIC Plus+
Source: Light novel
Genres: Sci-Fi, Harem, Comedy, Romance, Mecha, School

Synopsis
Thirty years ago, the Eurasian continent was devastated by a supermassive “spatial quake”—a phenomenon involving space vibrations of unknown origin—resulting in the deaths of over 150 million people. Since then, these quakes have been plaguing the world intermittently, albeit on a lighter scale.

Shidou Itsuka is a seemingly average high school student who lives with his younger sister, Kotori. When an imminent spatial quake threatens the safety of Tengu City, he rushes to save her, only to be caught in the resulting eruption. He discovers a mysterious girl at its source, who is revealed to be a “Spirit,” an otherworldly entity whose appearance triggers a spatial quake. Soon after, he becomes embroiled in a skirmish between the girl and the Anti-Spirit Team, a ruthless strike force with the goal of annihilating Spirits.

However, there is a third party that believes in saving the spirits: “Ratatoskr,” which surprisingly is commanded by Shidou’s little sister! Kotori forcibly recruits Shidou after the clash, presenting to him an alternative method of dealing with the danger posed by the Spirits—make them fall in love with him. Now, the fate of the world rests on his dating prowess, as he seeks out Spirits in order to charm them.

5 Hentai Ouji to Warawanai Neko. / The “Hentai” Prince and the Stony Cat.

Episodes: 12
Studios: J.C.Staff
Source: Light novel
Genres: Harem, Comedy, Supernatural, Romance, School

Synopsis
Youto Yokodera wants to be seen in a way different from most men: as a pervert. However, his lewd actions are often misinterpreted as good intentions, and people cannot see his true nature. Upon hearing rumours of a cat statue that can banish an unwanted trait, he searches for it and prays for his façade to be removed. But each wish comes at a price: those unwelcomed traits are transferred to someone else who desires them!

After realizing that vocalizing his dirty thoughts is not the best thing, Youto decides to regain his lost traits by seeking out the person who received them. Unfortunately, he was not alone in praying to the cat statue, and now he must not only fix his life but the lives of others as well.

Top anime of Summer 2013

1 Blood Lad

Episodes: 10
Studios: Brain’s Base
Source: Manga
Genres: Action, Comedy, Demons, Seinen, Supernatural, Vampire

Synopsis
Staz Charlie Blood is a powerful vampire who rules the Eastern district of Demon World. According to rumors, he is a bloodthirsty and merciless monster, but in reality, Staz is just an otaku obsessed with Japanese culture and completely uninterested in human blood. Leaving the management of his territory to his underlings, Staz spends his days lazing around, indulging in anime, manga, and games.

When Fuyumi Yanagi, a Japanese girl, accidentally wanders through a portal leading into the demon world, Staz is overjoyed. But just as he is starting to feel an unusual attraction to her, his territory is attacked, resulting in Fuyumi’s untimely death. She turns into a wandering ghost and the crestfallen Staz vows to resurrect her as this would mean being able to travel to the human world, something he has always dreamed of.

Blood Lad follows Staz and Fuyumi, soon joined by the spatial magician Bell and the half-werewolf Wolf, as they travel to find a magic that can bring humans back to life.

2 Danganronpa: Kibou no Gakuen to Zetsubou no Koukousei The Animation / Danganronpa: The Animation

Episodes: 13
Studios: Lerche
Source: Game
Genres: Mystery, Psychological, School

Synopsis
Hope’s Peak Academy is an elite high school that accepts only the most talented students. Individuals who successfully enrol receive their own unique titles, suitably reflective of their skills and traits. Of the fifteen candidates admitted to the peculiar school that year, Makoto Naegi is a completely ordinary individual who has been accepted by sheer chance, with the title of “Super High School-Level Luck.”

Naegi and his fellow classmates are initially ecstatic to be chosen to study at this prestigious institution, but these feelings of happiness are short-lived. They are soon confronted by Monokuma, the principal and resident bear, who traps them inside the school. The pupils’ hopes of escape and graduation hinge on one of them successfully murdering one of their peers without being discovered. However, if the killer is caught, he or she will be executed, and the remaining survivors will be left to continue the deathmatch until only a single victor remains.

3 Free!

Episodes: 12
Studios: Kyoto Animation, Animation Do
Source: Original
Genres: Slice of Life, Comedy, Sports, Drama, School

Synopsis
Haruka Nanase has a love for water and a passion for swimming. In elementary school, he competed in and won a relay race with his three friends Rin Matsuoka, Nagisa Hazuki, and Makoto Tachibana. After claiming victory at the tournament, the four friends went their separate ways. Years later, they reunite as high school students; however, Rin couldn’t care less about returning to the way things used to be. Not only does he attend a different school, but the sole thing important to him is proving that he is a better swimmer than Haruka.

After the bitter reunion, Haruka, Nagisa, and Makoto decide to form the Iwatobi High School Swim Club, but they will need a fourth member if they hope to take part in the upcoming tournament. Enter Rei Ryuugazaki, a former member of the track team whom Nagisa recruits. As the time to compete draws near, the four develop a close bond while training intensely to come out on top and settle things between Haruka and Rin once and for all.

4 Watashi ga Motenai no wa Dou Kangaete mo Omaera ga Warui! / WataMote: No Matter How I Look At It, It’s You Guys’ Fault I’m Unpopular!

Episodes: 12
Studios: Silver Link.
Source: Web manga
Genres: Slice of Life, Comedy, School

Synopsis
After living 50 simulated high school lives and dating over 100 virtual boys, Tomoko Kuroki believes that she is ready to conquer her first year of high school. Little does she know that she is much less prepared than she would like to think. In reality, Tomoko is an introverted and awkward young girl, and she herself is the only one who doesn’t realize it! With the help of her best friend, Yuu Naruse, and the support and love of her brother Tomoki, Tomoko attempts to brave the new world of high school life.

Watashi ga Motenai no wa Dou Kangaetemo Omaera ga Warui! chronicles the life of a socially awkward and relatively friendless high school otaku as she attempts to overcome her personal barriers in order to live a fulfilling life.

5 Kamisama no Inai Nichiyoubi / Sunday Without God

Episodes: 12
Studios: Madhouse
Source: Light novel
Genres: Fantasy, Mystery

Synopsis
God has abandoned the world. As a result, life cannot end nor can new life be born, and the “dead” walk restlessly among the living. Granting one last miracle before turning away forever, God created “grave keepers,” mystical beings capable of putting the dead to rest through a proper burial. Ai, a cheerful but naïve young girl, serves as her village’s grave keeper in place of her late mother.

One day, a man known as Hampnie Hambart, who is supposedly Ai’s father, arrives and kills all the people in her village. Having lost her village and with no plans for the future, Ai decides to accompany the mysterious man on his journey. As she travels the land, the young grave keeper strives to fulfil her duties, granting peace to the dead and assisting the living, while at the same time learning more about the world that God left in this tragic state.

Top anime of Autumn 2013

1 Log Horizon

Episodes: 25
Studios: Satelight
Source: Novel
Genres: Action, Game, Adventure, Magic, Fantasy

Synopsis
In the blink of an eye, thirty thousand bewildered Japanese gamers are whisked from their everyday lives into the world of the popular MMORPG, Elder Tale, after the game’s latest update—unable to log out. Among them is the socially awkward college student Shiroe, whose confusion and shock lasts only a moment as, a veteran of the game, he immediately sets out to explore the limits of his new reality.

Shiroe must learn to live in this new world, leading others and negotiating with the NPC “natives” in order to bring stability to the virtual city of Akihabara. He is joined by his unfortunate friend Naotsugu, having logged in for the first time in years only to find himself trapped, and Akatsuki, a petite but fierce assassin who labels Shiroe as her master. A tale of fantasy, adventure, and politics, Log Horizon explores the elements of gaming through the eyes of a master strategist who attempts to make the best of a puzzling situation.

2 Kyoukai no Kanata / Beyond the Boundary

Episodes: 12
Studios: Kyoto Animation
Source: Light novel
Genres: Slice of Life, Supernatural, Fantasy

Synopsis
Mirai Kuriyama is the sole survivor of a clan of Spirit World warriors with the power to employ their blood as weapons. As such, Mirai is tasked with hunting down and killing “youmu”—creatures said to be the manifestation of negative human emotions. One day, while deep in thought on the school roof, Mirai comes across Akihito Kanbara, a rare half-breed of youmu in human form. In a panicked state, she plunges her blood sabre into him only to realize that he’s an immortal being. From then on, the two forms an impromptu friendship that revolves around Mirai constantly trying to kill Akihito, in an effort to boost her own wavering confidence as a Spirit World warrior. Eventually, Akihito also manages to convince her to join the Literary Club, which houses two other powerful Spirit World warriors, Hiroomi and Mitsuki Nase.

As the group’s bond strengthens, however, so does the tenacity of the youmu around them. Their misadventures will soon turn into a fight for survival as the inevitable release of the most powerful youmu, Beyond the Boundary, approaches.

3 Kill La Kill

Episodes: 24
Studios: Trigger
Source: Original
Genres: Action, Comedy, Super Power, Ecchi, School

Synopsis
After the murder of her father, Ryuuko Matoi has been wandering the land in search of his killer. Following her only lead—the missing half of his invention, the Scissor Blade—she arrives at the prestigious Honnouji Academy, a high school unlike any other. The academy is ruled by the imposing and cold-hearted student council president Satsuki Kiryuuin alongside her powerful underlings, the Elite Four. In the school’s brutally competitive hierarchy, Satsuki bestows upon those at the top special clothes called “Goku Uniforms,” which grant the wearer unique superhuman abilities.

Thoroughly beaten in a fight against one of the students in uniform, Ryuuko retreats to her razed home where she stumbles across Senketsu, a rare and sentient “Kamui,” or God Clothes. After coming into contact with Ryuuko’s blood, Senketsu awakens, latching onto her and providing her with immense power. Now, armed with Senketsu and the Scissor Blade, Ryuuko makes a stand against the Elite Four, hoping to reach Satsuki and uncover the culprit behind her father’s murder once and for all.

4 Strike the Blood

Episodes: 24
Studios: Silver Link., Connect
Source: Light novel
Genres: Action, Harem, Supernatural, Ecchi, Vampire, Fantasy, School

Synopsis
Kojou Akatsuki’s days as an ordinary high school student in the Demon District of Itogami Island come to an abrupt end after a fateful encounter leaves him with the remarkable abilities of a vampire.

It isn’t long before he is thrust into the center of attention when it is discovered that he is the fourth primogenitor, an immensely powerful vampire whom most consider to be merely a legend. Fearing Kojou’s destructive potential, the Lion King Organization sends in an apprentice sword-shaman, Yukina Himeragi, to monitor, and should he become a threat, kill the boy deemed the world’s most powerful vampire. Forced together by circumstance, the two form an unlikely alliance as Kojou comes to terms with his abilities and they both struggle to protect the city from various emerging chaotic forces.

5 Golden Time

Episodes: 24
Studios: J.C.Staff
Source: Light novel
Genres: Comedy, Drama, Romance

Synopsis
Due to a tragic accident, Banri Tada is struck with amnesia, dissolving the memories of his hometown and past. However, after befriending Mitsuo Yanagisawa, he decides to move on and begin a new life at law school in Tokyo. But just as he is beginning to adjust to his college life, the beautiful Kouko Kaga dramatically barges into Banri’s life, and their chance meeting marks the beginning of an unforgettable year.

After having a glimpse of college life, Banri learns that he is in a new place and a new world – a place where he can be reborn, to have new friends, fall in love, makes mistakes and grow. And as he begins to discover who he was, the path he has chosen leads him towards a blindingly bright life that he will never want to forget.