The anime landscape between 2019 and 2024 produced a cluster of masterpieces that redefined storytelling across the medium. Collider's ranking identifies The Apothecary Diaries, Frieren: Beyond Journey's End, and Odd Taxi as standouts, though the debate over which reigns supreme remains contentious among critics and fans.
The Apothecary Diaries captured audiences with its intricate mystery plotting and historical fantasy setting. Studio CloverWorks delivered lush animation paired with narrative complexity that rewarded close attention. The series built a devoted following through word-of-mouth despite limited mainstream awareness until streaming platforms amplified its reach.
Frieren: Beyond Journey's End became a cultural phenomenon. MAPPA's adaptation of Kanehito Yamada and Tsukasa Abe's manga expanded the post-adventure narrative into something unexpectedly profound. Rather than concluding at the typical endpoint where heroes defeat the demon king, Frieren explores what comes after heroism fades. The show's meditative pacing and emotional intelligence struck a chord with viewers fatigued by conventional shonen formulas.
Odd Taxi stands as the decade's most audacious genre-bending experiment. P.I.C.S. delivered a crime noir wrapped in anthropomorphic comedy, building a labyrinthine plot that demanded viewer investment. The series proved anime could execute complex storytelling without relying on established IP or mainstream recognition.
The ranking reflects how contemporary anime has fractured into multiple legitimately excellent trajectories. Studio investment in original properties and faithful manga adaptations has elevated the baseline quality across the medium. Streaming platforms democratized access, allowing niche series to achieve unexpected global audiences.
These three titles share DNA: they privilege character development and narrative sophistication over spectacle. They arrived when anime's international footprint had expanded