Anime Shows I Watched This 2021

Spoilers ahead! This blog contains my reactions and ratings for all the anime shows I watched this year.

I am currently watching Komi can’t communicate, Blue Period, and Demon Slayer: Entertainment District Arc, but I won’t include them here since they are not finished yet. I started watching Takt Op. Destiny but discontinued after episode 3 after their “we’ll rest a bit” announcement ; I’ll continue when I have more time.

Sadly, I stopped watching Tonikaku Kawaii, Yesterday wo Utatte, The Millionaire Detective Balance: Unlimited, and Yakusoku no Neverland 2nd Season. I’ll continue them next time. My reason? There was a point that I got bored. But let me know if it’s worth watching until the end.

Next in line: Vanitas no Karte, 86, and Mieruko-chan. Feel free to add!

The Rising of the Shield Hero

I watch adventure anime shows, but the posters for The Rising of Shield Hero looked like there was a harem—and I am not fond of harems—so I was very hesitant to start. But the first episode got me hooked, though my motivation to continue was anger-driven. Glad that I continued and witnessed the main character’s development. Great anime to start the year.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

Jujutsu Kaisen

One of the best. I could not believe it was the end of the season that I kept coming back to the series every Sunday, thinking there would be another one. I loved the trio dynamic, the overpowered character, even the evilness of the villains. Comedic but deep. Powerful. Superb. The hotness that is Sukuna. The only anime that made me whisper daddy. Hahahaha. Can’t wait for the movie!

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Haikyuu! (Seasons 1 to 4)

My baby boys! Rarely would a sports anime have an impact on me—or maybe because the next season wasn’t ready yet. This was what made Haikyuu different. Since seasons 1 to 4 were available, my invested emotions got an immediate follow-up. I love all characters, and the team made me want to cheer for them all throughout. It broke my heart when they lost, I hoped for their success as they grew and learned new strategies, and I was overwhelmed with happiness every time they won. Ike, ike, Karasuno! Ose, ose, Karasuno!

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Fruits Basket (Seasons 1 to 3)

I was so glad they continued the reboot. The art style improved, and the viewers got to know more about the other members of the zodiac. Each one had their own deep, dark background, which resulted to who they were in the present. And this was what I loved best about this anime—they took time to tell each story, including those of the supporting characters. Every parent should watch this, seriously, so they know that their words affect their children. My favorite line came from Honda’s grandfather: “She was so young. Maybe they thought they could say what they wanted and she wouldn’t understand. Idiots. Children absolutely understand what adults say.”

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

Horimiya

If you like slice of life, school, romance anime shows and you could tolerate numerous tropes in one, then Horimiya is perfect for you. Although the characters are interesting, I felt that the anime was rushed. There could have been potential good episodes that could narrate the background stories for some characters, sayang. Also, long-haired pierced Miyamura supremacy.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐½

Attack on Titan (Seasons 1 to 4)

Disclaimer before you read further: I haven’t read the manga (but I already know the ending . . . thanks, no thanks, spoiler Twitter). Anyway, I wanted to hold my review on Attack on Titan, but I might forget all these emotions. For sure, this is the anime with the best—if not, then one of the best—first episode. (This is what I keep on telling myself when I write, by the way—the first chapter should be as impactful and as memorable as the last.) I respect the author’s decision, but I can’t say it didn’t hurt . . . that such a beautiful character—one whom I rooted for—would forget his why, oppose the values I uphold, and turn into a villain.

What I liked best about AOT was how it clearly depicted two sides, that difference in beliefs can bring entire nations down. I’ll be eagerly waiting for the last part. Still praying, even though it may be impossible, that the animation team would have a change of heart.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Psycho-Pass

The movie was a good watch. It demonstrated how democracy should work, and there were many elements in the anime parallel to how the justice system works. That is, as what one of villains in the movie said, “If the system doesn’t recognize it as a crime, it is not a crime.” The system is flawed, but I think this is why Akane, the main character of the first two seasons, had to exist—to remind that systems have to evolve for the people.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ½

Dr. Stone: Stone Wars

I’ll admit that I forgot to write a review for this show because of how busy I was then, so my reaction is not as raw as the previous ones above. I only realized this when I was browsing anime shows to watch next year. Anyway, the second season did not fail me. I still love the characters and still cringe at some scenes. I’m looking forward to how they’ll execute their plans, given the new villain.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

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Any recommendations for my 2022 watchlist aside from those mentioned? Preferably anime released in Summer 2020 onward. Let me know in the comments!

Anime Shows I Watched This 2020

Spoilers ahead! This blog contains my reactions and ratings for all the anime shows I watched this year. I don’t think I could watch some more since I am overloaded with work, so I’ll end my 2020 anime watch list here.

Kono Oto Tomare

I love Kono Oto Tomare, and I was extremely happy I chose this to watch first. There were bits of everything I asked for: friendship, family, romance, music, and even math. Plus, the character and plot development were superb.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Citrus

I watched this for research, and I love yuri since I was a kid. Citrus, however, was full of unnecessary confrontations and drama; plus, both female protagonists made poor decisions, which resulted in bad consequences, dragging the whole series down. I almost gave up, to be honest. But 15:00–16:00 of the last episode made everything worth it, I guess. Plus, the art was amazing.

Rating: ⭐⭐

Meiji Tokyo Renka

I am an avid watcher of reverse harems: Kamisama Hajimemashita, Akatsuki no Yona, Fruits Basket, Brothers’ Conflict, Amnesia, Ouran High School Host Club, Uta no Prince-sama, Kamigami no Asobi, Fushigi Yuugi, Diabolik Lovers, and more, and I was really looking forward to watching another one this year. However, Meiji Tokyo Renka disappointed me. The ending was underwhelming, the characters flat. It was fun at the start, but the romance trailed off, not to mention that the “ghost” part felt lacking. They could have done better introducing the characters so watchers would get more attached to them, like that of other reverse harem animes. Episode 11 saved the whole series, however.

Rating: ⭐⭐

Kyokou Suiri

After two misses, I finally found an anime worthy to binge-watch. All the characters were very likeable, including Saki, whom I thought I was going to hate. I heard there were more cases in the manga, but I’m satisfied that they took the time to detail the chapter on Steel Lady Nanase. If you’re into mystery, you’ll surely like Kyokou Suiri. The opening theme is also one of my faves.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

Darwin’s Game

I finished this anime in a day. I was so hooked!  The members of the clan complemented well, and girl, Kaname’s intellect and will to live (to end the game) was such a turn on. I kind of wanted Kaname to stick to his philosophy until the end, but knowing all shounens, I kind of prepared for it. Excited for another season!

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

The Promised Neverland

These are kids, for fox’s sake! My only problem when I was five was how to read certain words, and these babies had to go through all this. Unique plot, unique story-telling. I love all the children (take my heart!) that I couldn’t even choose a favorite. And because I didn’t believe Norman was dead, I spoiled myself by looking at some bits of the manga. Now I can sleep peacefully and wait for a season 2, perhaps.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Dr. Stone

I love both the plot and the characters (Asiri Gen and the old man are my favorite characters), except that some scenes are highly cringy. I didn’t even realize how I hated the high-pitched Senkuuuuu! screams until I used them to annoy people. Putting this aside, this anime made me think about how I would “play God” if I were in the protagonist’s shoes. That’s a high-end shounen for you. Also, science.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Kaguya-Sama Love Is War Season 2

I love this season more than season 1, I guess, because I got to know more of the characters, especially Ishigami. Each episode of Kaguya-sama didn’t fail to make me laugh (I got through a depressing state during the quarantine because of them). Also, this is the only anime that I waited for each episode to drop. Heck, I am that excited.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

Gleipnir

Weird ecchi scenes; they can be removed, and the anime can still stand on its own. I almost dropped watching this; good thing I stayed (it gets better). Characters, even the antagonists, are well written, which made me stick to the story; I still don’t like Clair, though. I am looking forward to the second season (there has to be).

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

Steins;Gate

The first episodes were dragging and boring, but it got better and better. The worst parts that happened to the main character were the best parts to watch (and I felt bad). Time travel is a difficult topic to write without inconsistencies, but the Steins;Gate team managed to develop a whole series out of it with very minimal plot holes. Mayushii best waifu.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

Seishun Buta Yarou wa Bunny Girl Senpai no Yume wo Minai

I have read negative comments about this anime, saying that it copied Bakemonogatari. I haven’t watched the latter, so my comments are solely based on what I watched. I loved the art, the characters, and the plot. What I found uncomfortable was Kaede’s intimate relationship with Sakuta, her brother, as it felt almost incest, but her arc pulled the strings for me. On the other hand, I find Sakuta and Mai’s relationship admirable up till the end.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐½

Kimetsu no Yaiba

I refused to watch this during the hype since I am not a fan of the art style (I tend to be picky with it, hehe). Glad I took the step to start this because, seriously, this is one of the best anime shows I have watched. Characters are unique; even the villains have depth. I will never forget the goosebumps and the adrenaline rush I had while watching episode 19 (the insert song matched the scene well omg). Though I would like to see more of the hashiras in the next season. Also, Nezuko is a precious babie. Protect her at all costs!

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

Bungou Stray Dogs Seasons 1 to 3

The only anime that made me listen to the ending themes for all episodes (I often listen to the whole song in the first episode but would skip it in the next ones). I love the characters, especially when a member of the Armed Detective Agency partners with a member of the Port Mafia (i.e., Akutagawa and Atsushi, Chuuya and Dazai, Fukuzawa and Mori). I just wish Atsushi would transform into a full weretiger. So good. So good. So good.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Food Wars Seasons 1 to 5

I’m just overwhelmed to watch really good animes consecutively (just after two misses). Though I admit that I didn’t expect ecchi in Food Wars. Haha! I enjoyed this anime a lot: the characters were not boring, the plot was interesting, the art was good. My favorite character would be Megumi, as she was well developed throughout the anime. Souma’s natural charisma and his undying will to learn different dishes made me binge-watch seasons 3 and 4 in two days. It should have been a 5/5 if not for the rushed season 5, but overall, this is a good and fun anime.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

The Great Pretender

The first arc was my favorite since I was mind-blown with Laurent’s plans. One must be able to have a great amount of suspension of disbelief, as the last arc was highly insane, making it seem that the writers placed all the tricks they used in the previous arcs. But it felt overdone, or maybe the series didn’t fulfill my own sense of justice (i.e., child traffickers to jail). Makoto’s development was also questionable; if he were normal, he would be insanely angry toward Laurent and his father for all the manipulation he had to go through. It would have been interesting if he really did “get back” on Laurent and his father. But putting the last arc aside, this is an overall fun series to watch.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ghost Hunt

This was recommended by one of my readers when I was writing Safe Spaces and Last Full Show, a show which was aired more than a decade ago. Mai, the main character, was so annoying that whenever she was on screen, I would literally roll my eye. I even liked Ayako better than her. I even liked Yasuhara, a supporting character who only showed up during half of the season, more! There will always be this scene where Naru says something and then she gets pissed and just throws words at Naru. And then she blames and blames herself when something happens (girl, it’s not always about you, ugh), and she does not tell her dreams immediately even when she already knows that they help the case. The other members and the investigations made the whole anime interesting, but the main character just destroyed it for me.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong, As I Expected

The first season was funny, second season kind of annoying, third was great. I loved the main character, and I could easily connect with his philosophies. I had problems with the supporting characters, however, as they kept on insisting that the main character, Hikki, was playing the villain to save a situation, whereas his solutions seemed straight-forward and convenient. Though I had to suspend my disbelief; in reality, if there were a guy with this personality, I think it would be the other way around (not meant to be judgmental, but really). This is one of the few animes consisting of a love triangle that it was clear whom the mc ends up with, and I really appreciated it. The ending was satisfying.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

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Any recommendations for my 2021 watchlist? Preferably recent ones as there’s a 90% chance I’ve watched 2017 and older ones. Haikyuu! will definitely be in it; I was just not ready to commit to these boys this year.

I Started Watching Anime Again (Reviews of Anime Shows I Watched This 2019)

I’ll explain in another blog why I stopped watching anime, which was the same reason I wasn’t able to read books and write as often as I wanted to. Here I rated and described four anime shows, mostly romance and recently released, that I have watched during the last half of 2019 (my time only allowed me four, sorry).

Kaguya-sama: Love Is War

Genre: school, romantic comedy. Miyuki Shirogane and Kaguya Shinomiya are the president and vice president, respectively, in their academy. Having good looks and smart brains, together they are viewed as the perfect couple. Although they have feelings for each other, neither wants to admit it first, and the one who does “loses in this game of love.”

It uses the love-hate trope, featuring two prideful characters. If I were to read their story, I would have been annoyed, but the show turned it to something fun. I loved the characters, especially Fujiwara-san. Watch it here.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

Ao-chan Can’t Study!

Genre: ecchi, romance, school. Because Ao’s father was an erotic novelist, people often link their residence to lewdness, which Ao became ashamed of. She swore to study relentlessly to get into her dream university and own her own property, but when Kajima came into her life, her focus began to dwindle.

The story mostly centered on Ao thinking about possible sexual interactions between her and Kajma and her getting disappointed when this doesn’t happen. There were entertaining moments, but scenes about mocking one’s virginity did not suit my taste. Watch here.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

Yagate Kimi ni Naru

Genre: school, drama, yuri. Yuu Koito is unfamiliar with falling in love. She confides this personality of hers to Touko Nanami, her senpai, after assuming that the latter was the same as her. But events turned out differently as Touko confesses her love to Yuu. As their one-sided relationship progresses, Yuu learns of Nanami’s past and tries to encourage her in ways she can.

Honestly, the drama annoyed me. But I loved the other supporting characters, Maki and Koyomi. The frequent wind gusts became ineffective and cringy. The middle parts were quite dragging, but the ending was oddly satisfying, albeit hanging. Watch it here. 

Rating: ⭐⭐½

Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku

Genre: romantic comedy. Narumi Momose planned to hide her otaku identity as she transferred to another workplace, but it turned out that her childhood friend Hirotaka Nifuji, a game otaku, also worked there. Momose brought up her frustration to him when her ex-boyfriend broke up with her after finding out that she was an otaku, hence her transfer. This pushed Nifuji to ask Momose if they could date, saying he’d go with her during anime conventions.

I’m glad I was able to end my year with Wotakoi. It tackled three different situations of romantic relationships, which I was looking forward to every episode. The last episode didn’t seem the ending though, but I was satisfied and fulfilled nonetheless. Watch it here.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½