The 2018 anime lineup is widely regarded as one of the strongest in modern anime history. Across every genre, the year delivered critically acclaimed originals, emotional dramas, action-packed adventures, and unforgettable coming-of-age stories that continue to influence anime fans today. Many of these series earned major industry awards, topped fan polls, and remain among the highest-rated anime years after their debut. Whether you enjoy fantasy, science fiction, psychological thrillers, or slice-of-life storytelling, 2018 offered something memorable for nearly every viewer.
What makes the year’s best anime stand out is their lasting appeal. Several titles introduced iconic characters, breathtaking animation, and emotionally resonant stories that still attract new audiences. If you’re looking to revisit one of anime’s greatest years or discover what you missed, these are the best anime of 2018 that continue to define the medium today.
The Best Anime of 2018
At the top of almost every 2018 anime discussion is Violet Evergarden. Produced by Kyoto Animation, the series combines stunning visuals with an emotional story about Violet’s journey to understand love after the war. Its cinematic animation, memorable soundtrack, and heartfelt character development helped it become one of the most celebrated anime of the decade. Even years later, it remains a benchmark for emotional storytelling and visual excellence.
Another standout is A Place Further Than the Universe, an original coming-of-age anime that follows four girls on an expedition to Antarctica. While its premise sounds simple, the series explores friendship, ambition, and personal growth with remarkable emotional depth. Its strong writing and memorable characters earned widespread critical acclaim, and many fans still consider it one of the greatest original anime ever produced.
Devilman Crybaby also defined 2018 with its bold storytelling and distinctive visual style. Directed by Masaaki Yuasa, the series reimagined Go Nagai’s classic manga while delivering intense action, mature themes, and a tragic narrative. It won Anime of the Year at the 3rd Crunchyroll Anime Awards and remains one of the platform’s most influential original productions.
Fans looking for classic underdog sports storytelling should not miss Megalo Box. Released to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Ashita no Joe, the anime combines retro-inspired visuals with futuristic boxing matches and compelling character development. Its gritty atmosphere and powerful soundtrack helped distinguish it from other sports anime released that year.
For superhero fans, My Hero Academia Season 3 delivered several of the franchise’s most iconic moments, including the unforgettable battle between All Might and All For One. The season expanded the world of heroes while pushing its central characters through major emotional and physical challenges. It also became one of the most awarded anime during the 2018 awards season, further cementing the series’ popularity worldwide.
Another must-watch from 2018 is Banana Fish, a gripping crime thriller that blends gang warfare, political conspiracies, and emotional storytelling. Its mature narrative and compelling relationship between Ash Lynx and Eiji Okumura earned praise from both critics and fans. The anime remains one of MAPPA’s most acclaimed adaptations and continues to attract new viewers through word of mouth.
Other notable releases include Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai, which cleverly combines supernatural elements with emotional character drama, That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, which helped redefine modern isekai anime, and Zombieland Saga, an original comedy that surprised audiences by combining idol performances with zombie humor. Together, these series showcased the incredible variety that made 2018 such a memorable year for anime fans.