Top Anime Of 2018: Must-Watch Recommendations

Hey anime lovers! Ready to dive into some awesome recommendations? Let's take a trip back to 2018 and explore some of the best anime that graced our screens. If you're looking for something new to watch or just want to revisit some classics, you've come to the right place. We're going to cover a range of genres, so there's bound to be something for everyone. Buckle up, and let's get started!

A Place Further Than the Universe

A Place Further Than the Universe, also known as Yorimoi, is a heartwarming and inspiring adventure anime that follows four high school girls as they embark on a journey to Antarctica. At first glance, it might seem like a simple slice-of-life anime, but it's so much more. The series beautifully captures the spirit of adventure, friendship, and the courage to step outside your comfort zone. One of the main characters, Mari Tamaki, nicknamed Kimari, is a typical high school student who dreams of doing something extraordinary but often finds herself held back by her fears. When she meets Shirase Kobuchizawa, a determined young girl who's been working tirelessly to go to Antarctica in search of her missing mother, Kimari decides to join her. Along the way, they meet Hinata Miyake, an energetic and outgoing girl who's running away from her problems, and Yuzuki Shiraishi, a child actress looking for genuine friendship. Together, these four girls form an unlikely but incredibly supportive group. Their journey to Antarctica is filled with challenges, both physical and emotional. They face harsh weather conditions, navigate complex social dynamics, and confront their own personal insecurities. Yet, through it all, they learn to rely on each other, grow as individuals, and discover the true meaning of friendship. What makes A Place Further Than the Universe so special is its ability to blend heartwarming moments with genuine emotional depth. The characters are relatable and well-developed, and their struggles feel authentic. The animation is stunning, capturing the beauty and vastness of Antarctica in breathtaking detail. The soundtrack is also top-notch, perfectly complementing the mood and tone of the series. Overall, A Place Further Than the Universe is a must-watch anime that will leave you feeling inspired, uplifted, and maybe even a little bit emotional. It's a beautiful reminder that it's never too late to chase your dreams and that the greatest adventures are often the ones we share with friends.

Violet Evergarden

Violet Evergarden is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant anime that tells the story of Violet, a young woman who was once a soldier and now works as an Auto Memory Doll. Auto Memory Dolls are essentially ghostwriters who craft letters that convey the deepest emotions of their clients. Violet, having been raised as a weapon, struggles to understand human feelings, but as she writes letters for others, she begins to learn about love, loss, and the complexities of the human heart. The anime is set in a beautifully rendered world inspired by Europe in the aftermath of a great war. The animation quality is simply breathtaking, with meticulous attention to detail in every scene. From the intricate designs of the characters' clothing to the lush landscapes, Violet Evergarden is a visual masterpiece. But beyond its stunning visuals, Violet Evergarden is a deeply moving and thought-provoking story. Violet's journey of self-discovery is both heartbreaking and inspiring. As she interacts with her clients and learns about their lives, she gradually begins to understand her own emotions and the impact of her past actions. The anime explores themes of trauma, grief, and the search for meaning in a world that has been shattered by war. It's a story that will stay with you long after you've finished watching it. One of the standout aspects of Violet Evergarden is its episodic structure. Each episode focuses on a different client and their unique story, allowing the anime to explore a wide range of human emotions and experiences. From a dying soldier writing a letter to his family to a playwright struggling to express his feelings, each story is beautifully crafted and emotionally resonant. The music in Violet Evergarden is also exceptional, perfectly complementing the mood and tone of the series. The orchestral score is both epic and intimate, enhancing the emotional impact of every scene. Overall, Violet Evergarden is a masterpiece of animation and storytelling. It's a must-watch for anyone who appreciates beautiful visuals, compelling characters, and deeply emotional stories. Be prepared to shed a few tears, but also to be inspired by Violet's journey of self-discovery and healing.

Devilman Crybaby

Devilman Crybaby is a dark, intense, and visually striking anime that offers a modern take on Go Nagai's classic manga series. Directed by Masaaki Yuasa, this adaptation is known for its unique animation style, its bold storytelling, and its unflinching exploration of mature themes. The story follows Akira Fudo, a timid and compassionate young man who is transformed into a Devilman after merging with the powerful demon Amon. Unlike typical demons, Devilmen retain their human hearts, giving them the strength to fight against other demons who seek to destroy humanity. Akira, now possessing immense power and a newfound sense of purpose, must protect his loved ones and the world from the demonic threat. What sets Devilman Crybaby apart from other anime is its distinctive visual style. Yuasa's signature animation is fluid, expressive, and often surreal. The characters' movements are exaggerated, and the backgrounds are vibrant and dreamlike. This unique style perfectly complements the anime's themes of transformation, identity, and the blurred lines between good and evil. Devilman Crybaby is not for the faint of heart. It's a violent and explicit anime that doesn't shy away from depicting the darkest aspects of human nature. The series explores themes of lust, betrayal, and the destructive consequences of fear and prejudice. However, beneath the surface, there's also a powerful message about love, compassion, and the importance of fighting for what you believe in. One of the most compelling aspects of Devilman Crybaby is its exploration of the relationship between Akira and his best friend, Ryo Asuka. Ryo is a mysterious and enigmatic figure who plays a pivotal role in Akira's transformation into a Devilman. As the series progresses, their friendship is tested by conflicting ideologies and tragic events. Their dynamic is complex and emotionally charged, adding depth and nuance to the story. The soundtrack of Devilman Crybaby is also noteworthy. It features a mix of electronic music, rock, and classical pieces that perfectly capture the anime's dark and intense atmosphere. The music enhances the emotional impact of every scene, making the viewing experience even more immersive. Overall, Devilman Crybaby is a challenging but ultimately rewarding anime that will stay with you long after you've finished watching it. It's a bold and uncompromising work of art that pushes the boundaries of animation and storytelling. If you're looking for something different and thought-provoking, Devilman Crybaby is definitely worth checking out.

Aggretsuko

Aggretsuko is a hilarious and relatable anime that follows the daily life of Retsuko, a red panda who works as an office associate in a Japanese trading firm. Retsuko is a mild-mannered and hardworking employee, but she's constantly frustrated by her overbearing bosses and annoying coworkers. To cope with her stress, Retsuko secretly vents her anger by singing death metal karaoke. This unique premise sets the stage for a comedy that's both funny and surprisingly insightful. What makes Aggretsuko so appealing is its relatability. Many viewers can identify with Retsuko's struggles with office politics, demanding workloads, and the pressure to conform to societal expectations. The anime satirizes corporate culture and the challenges faced by young professionals in a way that's both humorous and thought-provoking. Aggretsuko is also notable for its well-developed characters. Retsuko is a likable and sympathetic protagonist, and the supporting cast is filled with memorable personalities. From her gossipy coworkers to her demanding boss, each character is carefully crafted and adds to the anime's comedic appeal. The animation style of Aggretsuko is simple but effective. The characters are cute and expressive, and the backgrounds are colorful and vibrant. The animation perfectly complements the anime's lighthearted tone, making it a joy to watch. One of the standout aspects of Aggretsuko is its use of music. Retsuko's death metal karaoke sessions are both hilarious and cathartic. The songs are catchy and well-written, and they perfectly capture Retsuko's inner turmoil. The anime also features a variety of other musical genres, adding to its overall appeal. Aggretsuko is a relatively short anime, with each episode lasting only about 15 minutes. This makes it easy to binge-watch, and it's perfect for those who are looking for a quick and entertaining escape. Despite its short length, Aggretsuko manages to pack a lot of humor and heart into each episode. Overall, Aggretsuko is a must-watch anime for anyone who's ever felt stressed out at work. It's a funny, relatable, and surprisingly insightful comedy that will leave you feeling both entertained and understood.

Megalo Box

Megalo Box is a gritty and stylish sports anime that pays homage to the classic boxing manga Ashita no Joe. Set in a futuristic world where boxers use mechanical exoskeletons called Gear to enhance their fighting abilities, the story follows Junk Dog, an underground boxer who fights in rigged matches to make a living. Junk Dog dreams of competing in Megalonia, the world's most prestigious Megalo Box tournament, but he lacks the official status and resources to do so. That is, until he meets Yuri, the champion of Megalonia, and is spurred to legitimately enter the tournament. What sets Megalo Box apart from other sports anime is its unique visual style. The anime is animated with a deliberately rough and gritty aesthetic, giving it a retro feel that's reminiscent of classic anime from the 1970s. The character designs are also distinctive, with sharp lines and expressive features. This visual style perfectly complements the anime's themes of struggle, determination, and the pursuit of dreams. Megalo Box features intense and thrilling boxing matches. The animation is fluid and dynamic, capturing the speed and power of the fighters. The use of Gear adds an extra layer of excitement to the fights, as boxers can unleash devastating attacks and defend against their opponents' blows. The anime does a great job of building tension and creating a sense of stakes, making each match feel like a high-stakes battle. One of the most compelling aspects of Megalo Box is its exploration of class and social inequality. Junk Dog comes from a disadvantaged background, and he's determined to overcome the obstacles in his path and prove himself to the world. The anime also explores the themes of identity and belonging, as Junk Dog struggles to find his place in a society that often marginalizes those who are different. The soundtrack of Megalo Box is also noteworthy. It features a mix of hip-hop, electronic music, and rock that perfectly captures the anime's gritty and urban atmosphere. The music enhances the emotional impact of every scene, making the viewing experience even more immersive. Overall, Megalo Box is a must-watch anime for anyone who appreciates stylish visuals, thrilling action, and compelling characters. It's a gritty and inspiring story about the pursuit of dreams and the power of determination. So, gear up and get ready for some intense boxing action!

Conclusion

So there you have it, guys! Some of the best anime of 2018 that are definitely worth checking out. From heartwarming adventures to intense action series, 2018 had something for everyone. Whether you're a seasoned anime fan or just starting out, these titles are sure to provide hours of entertainment and maybe even touch your heart along the way. Happy watching!