My Five Favorite Anime Series of 2021
Senpai ga Uzai Kouhai no Hanashi Episode 9
(Limited to series that premiered in 2021)
My main measurement to know if a series qualifies as a favorite is the magnitude of my desire to add the show to my library. So rewatchability is a big factor. This year there weren’t any blockbuster shows. However the five finalists and all the other candidates are quite rewatchable, in my book. I wouldn’t mind having the entire lot in my library, if I could afford it.
1. Senpai ga Uzai Kouhai no Hanashi (My Senpai is Annoying)
2021 was a hard year, and I needed a break. I needed a good comedy and a good romance. Senpai ga Uzai Kouhai no Hanashi provided that, even if the romance wasn’t with the two main characters. All the characters in this show are entertaining, and you do feel like they could all be friends with each other. Good ensemble series are the best. I always replayed the Touko x Souta scenes. This was a pleasant, feel-good show.
2. Shinigami Bocchan to Kuro Maid (The Duke of Death and His Maid)
Alice is brazen but sweet and sincere, and I like her a lot. This is another ensemble series where all the characters (except for Bocchan’s mother and brother) get along. I enjoy watching all the characters, and I had plenty of smiles each week.
3. Super Cub
Super Cub was the best iyashikei, slice-of-life series this year, beating out Yuru Camp 2 and Non Non Biyori Nonstop. I want to see Koguma, Reiko, and Shii become even closer friends - and have more adventures.
4. 86-Eighty Six
Where 86-Eighty Six distanced itself from other action series was in its characters. I love everyone in the Spearhead Squadron as well as Lena. Many deaths have already occurred, and I fear for more. I don’t have that level of concern for other action anime (except maybe Jujutsu Kaisen). And I’m rooting for a Lena x Shinei relationship. But we’re a long ways from that. Anyway, I have a big emotional investment in these characters.
5. Zombie Land Saga: Revenge
To round out the list is an idol show. There were a lot of idol shows this year, but Zombie Land Saga: Revenge stood above the rest in originality as well as excellent musical performances. In a dismal year, I always looked forward to the fun that Zombie Land Saga would bring to the week.
Other Candidates
Kobayashi-san Chi no Maidragon S, Jujutsu Kaisen, Sekai Saikou no Ansatsusha, Isekai Kizoku ni Tensei Suru, Yuru Camp 2, Non Non Biyori Nonstop, Tensei Shitara Suraimu Datta Ken 2, Odd Taxi
Previously
My Five Favorite Male Anime Characters of 2021
My Five Favorite Female Anime Characters of 2021
My Five Favorite Anime Couples of 2021
My Five Favorite Anime Songs of 2021
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