The Summer 2022 anime season delivered one of the strongest lineups in recent years, introducing original hits, highly anticipated sequels, and several series that remain popular even today. While seasonal anime often fade after their initial broadcast, a handful of Summer 2022 titles continue to attract new viewers thanks to their memorable stories, impressive animation, and lasting impact on the anime community. Whether you’re catching up on acclaimed series or looking for hidden gems, this season offers something for every type of anime fan.
From emotional sci-fi dramas and psychological adventures to vampire romance and fantasy epics, Summer 2022 showcased remarkable variety. Several of these anime also received award nominations, critical acclaim, and consistently high viewer ratings after their release. If you’re wondering which Summer 2022 anime are still worth your time, these standout series remain excellent choices even years later.
Must-Watch Summer 2022 Anime
If there’s one anime that defines Summer 2022, it’s Lycoris Recoil. The original action series quickly became one of the season’s biggest surprises thanks to its blend of stylish gunfights, emotional storytelling, and the chemistry between Chisato Nishikigi and Takina Inoue. Strong animation and memorable characters helped the series become one of Japan’s most-watched anime during its run. Even today, it remains an easy recommendation for viewers looking for a complete, self-contained action series.
Made in Abyss: The Golden City of the Scorching Sun proved why the franchise is considered one of anime’s finest fantasy adventures. The sequel expanded the mysterious world of the Abyss while delivering emotional storytelling, breathtaking world-building, and stunning visuals. Although its darker themes may not appeal to everyone, it remains one of the highest-regarded sequels released during Summer 2022.
For fans of atmospheric supernatural stories, Call of the Night continues to stand out. The anime combines a relaxing nighttime aesthetic with a coming-of-age narrative centered on Ko Yamori and the vampire Nazuna Nanakusa. Its soundtrack, visual direction, and unique atmosphere helped it build a dedicated fanbase that has remained active long after the season ended.
Classroom of the Elite Season 2 was another major highlight, continuing Kiyotaka Ayanokoji’s psychological battles at the Advanced Nurturing High School. The season deepened the series’ strategic mind games while introducing new conflicts between the school’s competing classes. Fans of intelligent protagonists and psychological drama still consider it an essential watch before moving on to later seasons.
Fantasy fans should also revisit Overlord IV, which further explored Ainz Ooal Gown’s expansion as ruler of the Sorcerer Kingdom. Rather than focusing solely on action, the series balances political intrigue, kingdom-building, and large-scale conflicts. For viewers already invested in the franchise, this season remains one of its strongest installments.
Another worthwhile pick is Uncle From Another World, a comedy that cleverly subverts isekai tropes by following a hero who returns to modern Japan after spending years in a fantasy world. Its nostalgic references to classic video games and unconventional humor helped it stand apart from other isekai series. Despite production delays during its original broadcast, it continues to receive praise for its creative premise and entertaining cast.
The Summer 2022 season also featured several strong returning series, including DanMachi IV, Shadows House Season 2, and Rent-a-Girlfriend Season 2, giving fans of established franchises plenty to enjoy. Combined with acclaimed originals like Lycoris Recoil and unique adaptations such as Call of the Night, the season offered an unusually balanced lineup across multiple genres. That variety is one of the reasons Summer 2022 is still remembered as one of the strongest anime seasons of the decade.