Another short list. Listen, I tried to watch more but it just wasn’t in the cards last year. But! I do have some plans for 2026 (like finishing MHA).
#4 – Kaiju No.8
I made an oopsies and forgot to put this on last year’s list. Technically, I watched this at the very end of December 2024, so it’s gonna go on this list. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve really just yearned for an anime with adults in it. At least college students or something. So this was very refreshing, having a shounen with a mid-thirties dude. The world is interesting, and the characters are cool. Really, the music was the best part of an already really good package. I still heavily listen to the opening and ending songs. I had a really good time with this anime. It made me want to read the manga, but I’m holding out for now.
#3 – Solo Leveling
Okay, I fully admit that this anime just speaks to the teenage boy in me. It’s just cool as hell. An overpowered main character with video game RPG mechanics. Amazing animation. Sometimes that’s all you need. The story isn’t half bad either. After hearing about Solo Leveling webtoon for so long, I’m happy it’s finally getting its due in animation.
#2 – Chainsaw Man
I had to do a full rewatch in preparation for the movie. I don’t think I ever finished the anime back when it aired, but regardless, it was nice to get a refresher and experience what really feels like a love letter to the manga in a lot of ways. In a world where it’s never guaranteed that the greats will get a good adaptation, I’m glad that so far this series seems to be in great hands.
#1 – Chainsaw Man: The Movie Reze
Of course, number one has to go to the blockbuster adaptation of one of my favorite arcs. There’s really just something about CSM. Seeing this on the big screen was a must. This was a blockbuster through and through. It’s so easy to get caught up in the beautiful animation, music, and action scenes. But the star of this movie is really the heart and the emotion. In my review, I talked about how pivotal this arc was to the series at large and how it’s a turning point for a lot of characters story-wise. And getting to see that done justice and get the movie treatment, while also getting the added action scenes. Take me back to the theatre, man. The first few minutes alone were iconic. I don’t think anybody was expecting to get an opening song. That shit bangs too. But seeing Chainsaw Man get this treatment makes me so damn happy, and this was my favorite anime that I watched last year.
