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