Best Anime to Watch in 2018: Essential Series That Defined a Year of Blockbuster Storytelling

In 2018, anime audiences witnessed an explosion of creative brilliance, with series that not only dominated viewership charts but also reshaped the global perception of epic storytelling, psychological depth, and genre innovation. From haunting sci-fi explorations to intimate slice-of-life dramas, 2018 delivered a stellar lineup that remains a reference point for innovative anime production. The year was marked by meticulously crafted narratives that balanced spectacle with soul, proving 2018 was not just another passing season—but a watershed moment in anime’s evolution.

Among the most pivotal series, Attack on Titan: Season 4 captivated millions with its brutal progression of war, trauma, and identity. The series, based on Hajime Isayama’s dark fantasy masterpiece, pushed narrative boundaries by confronting moral ambiguity with unprecedented intensity. As author Ursula K.

Le Guin once said, “Stories are how we make sense of chaos”—and Attack on Titan delivered on that promise with unflinching courage. Episodes delivered a near-theatrical weight, blending visceral action with profound philosophical inquiry, cementing its status as a cultural milestone. With episodes like “The Founding of the Army” and “The Fall of the Wall,” the series transformed passive watching into an emotional and intellectual journey.

Equally vital was Spy x Family, though it made its formal debut in early 2019, its conceptual seeds and production groundwork were firmly rooted in 2018’s creative momentum. Created by the legendary Masashi Kishimoto—renowned for Naruto—the series introduced a deceptively light-hearted premise: a comically dysfunctional family concealing extraordinary abilities. Yet beneath its comedic surface lay layers of emotional resonance, exploring themes of trust, identity, and belonging.

Misfit dad Loid Forger’s carefully constructed facade and his quest to bond with his adopted daughter Anya resonated deeply, offering a rare blend of humor and heart. The series’ success in 2018–2019 underscored anime’s growing ability to balance genre entertainment with meaningful character arcs.

The year also witnessed the ascent of Mob Psycho 100, a quirky yet profound exploration of mental health and personal acceptance.

Adapted from Yoshihiro Takahashi’s webcomic, the series followed Mob, a hyper-intelligent teenager compelled to suppress his powerful psychic abilities. What elevated Mob Psycho 100 was its unflinching honesty—depicting anxiety, loneliness, and self-worth through surreal visuals and accessible storytelling. As critics noted, “Mob wasn’t just funny—it was a mirror for anyone who’s ever felt different,” and indeed, its emotional authenticity struck a chord, especially among younger audiences.

Its use of abstract animation to externalize inner struggles set a new standard for psychological anime, blending whimsy with quiet depth.

Another standout was Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Taking Flight, which, though initially debuted in 2019, saw key story development and pilot testing culminate in late 2018. Produced by Ufotable under the direction of Senki KMiss, this film introduced the tragic mystery of Tanjiro Kamado and his demon-ridden sister Nezuko with cinematic precision.

The forest battle sequences, choreographed like a living painting, showcased Ufotable’s mastery of motion and emotion. The film’s slow-burn pacing allowed audiences to absorb Tanjiro’s resilience and the gravity of his transformations, making it a must-watch for fans seeking both spectacle and soul. Verified by fans and critics alike, it signaled the studio’s commitment to elevating anime film quality to new heights.

For fans of narrative complexity and worldbuilding, Jujutsu Kaisen—though fully launch’d in 2018—initiated a seismic shift in modern horror anime. Written and animated by Gege Akutami, its psychological rootfire mythology and morally gray characters redefined supernatural storytelling. The series avoided simple good-vs-evil binaries, instead probing how trauma shapes identity and purpose.

Elements like the cursed technology aesthetic and rich lore expand the boundaries of the genre, while protagonists like Yuji Itadori and Megumi Fushiguro offer layered portrayals of heroism and sacrifice. Early reviews praised its intelligent scripting and visual restraint, predicting long-term cultural impact—seen in later adaptations and fan theorization.

What united these series was not just their production quality, but their ambition: to entertain while inviting reflection.

Whether through the descent into an oppressive world, the quiet strength of outcasts, or the haunting presence of power gone wrong, 2018’s top anime offered viewers far more than escapism. They delivered narratives that lingered, challenged assumptions, and deepened emotional engagement. The year confirmed anime’s status as a medium capable of global artistic significance, where storytelling meets technological excellence in service of human experience.

For fans chasing depth, innovation, and emotional resonance, 2018’s must-watch lineup remains a benchmark. From the apocalyptic tension of Attack on Titan’s final arcs to the heartfelt chaos of Spy x Family’s disguised family, these series transcended typical seasonal viewing, entering collective consciousness as defining works of contemporary anime. Their legacy endures—testaments to a year when creativity reached new, unforgettable heights.