Best New Must-Watch Anime in 2023

It feels like 2023 was a big one for anime with many continuing but also new titles coming out. While the sheer amount was overwhelming, mainly due to sequels (which were often on their 5th season) quite a few of the new titles stood out on their own. Some promise a continuation and some already got at least one, but regardless of the sequels now would be a perfect time to get into watching them.

Tengoku Daimakyo / Heavenly Delusion

Tengoku Daimakyo was my absolute favorite anime of 2023. The storytelling, the mystery, the characters; everything was perfect including the animation by MADHOUSE studio. If you like mysteries, sci-fi, gender ambiguity, and don't mind gore and violence along with some body horror, then this is the perfect anime for you.

It is streaming on Disney worldwide, which may have affected its popularity while it was airing. It's important to note that while the manga was licensed as Heavenly Delusion, the anime was kept under the original Japanese title.

Frieren: Beyond Journey's End

Frieren: Beyond Journey's End is definitely one of the most praised anime titles of recent years. Ratings on multiple anime-tracking websites reflect that. as it even managed to dethrone the long-time sweetheart of the anime community, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. But, what makes it so special?

I think that what makes Frieren: Beyond Journey's End so popular is the fact that it is a magical story, with adventures, battles, and the power of friendship, but ultimately it is a story about growing up and dealing with loss. The generation that grew up with FMAB probably appreciates that the magical is still there, but is so nostalgic, and through Frieren's eyes, we get to see a lot of the world but also a bit of her inside battles and maturing.

My Happy Marriage

My Happy Marriage is one of those romance titles that has somewhat infuriating character writing due to the fact that they simply refuse to communicate properly but it does get better. Still, the way this romance series deals with trauma by slowly integrating the romance into the story is beautiful.

Miyo lives with her father, stepmother, and their daughter in their family home, but is abused and treated like an outcast for not having magic powers. Soon, her family decides to get rid of her by sending her to Kiyoka Koudo, a military official known for refusing multiple bride candidates in the past. Fully believing that he would kick her out, Miyo sets out to his home. However, what she finds there is completely different from what she expected and we get to see this unexpected couple build a wonderful relationship, filled with mutual respect and love.

The animation is pretty generic, but I found the soft colors to complement the story and somehow make it even more gentle and healing.

Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead

I love zombie media in general, so when Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead adaptation was announced, I was thrilled. The story follows a salaryman stuck at a dead-end job that is slowly destroying his will to live. But, when he wakes up one day and realizes that a zombie apocalypse has started he is overjoyed because he feels like he finally has his life back without having to worry about deadlines and work. After finding friends to travel with, Akira sets out to do his "100 Things Before I Turn Into a Zombie" list.

Zom 100 was animated by BUG FILMS. This was the studio's first work (it was founded by former OLM animators) and sadly, the production ended up falling apart midway through the season. I don't think this affected the quality, but if you were watching it as it was airing you had to wait, sometimes for weeks, due to delayed episodes. While this did affect my viewing experience, if you were to binge it now, you probably wouldn't even notice it.

OSHI NO KO

If you've missed OSHI NO KO hype, then you need to get started on it right away. Initially explained as an idol series to me, this anime took me by surprise due to how it dealt with some truly messed up topics. The plot follows a doctor who gets to treat his favorite teen idol, Ai Hoshino's pregnancy. However, one night he is killed by a crazed fan and reincarnates as her son, Aquamarine. Together with his twin sister, Ruby, (who happens to be his former patient who got him into idols), he lives a life of privacy, hidden away from the world. One day, a knock on the door changes everything as Ai is killed. Aqua swears to find her killer even if it means exposing the dark world of the entertainment industry in the process.

This anime got a second season that aired this year, while the third one is in the works. The music and visuals make it worth watching, and if you like manipulative main characters and don't mind some truly messed up things, then you will enjoy this one. The series is streaming on HIDIVE with English subtitles.

Mashle: Magic and Muscles

Deep down, we all know that Mashle is a Harry Potter parody but that doesn't mean it's not fun in its own way. It follows Mash, a teenager with zero magical power, living in a world that quickly eliminates people like that. His adoptive father keeps him hidden away and protected by getting him to train his physical body. But, that changes when Mash is discovered and forced to enroll in an elite magic high school.

While Mashle is a fun watch that I would recommend, I have to say it was unexpected to see just how grim and dark the world the story is set in is. Talk about racial purity.

The Apothecary Diaries

The Apothecary Diaries was probably the most charming among the 2023 anime titles. It had a fairly unique setting, amazing character variety, a wonderful protagonist, and just enough romance. The art direction and animation were incredible and I'm sure the upcoming sequel will be just as well-received.

The plot follows Maomao who ends up working in the emperor's palace. Her unique talents and knowledge of herbs and medicine soon land her in many peculiar situations.

The Dangers in Your Heart

The Dangers in Your Heart was quite divisive when it came out due to its protagonist who has some, let's say, interesting fantasies. But, it soon became obvious that this story had quite good character development and the initial concerns were quickly forgotten. The romance in this anime won over many hearts last year and its sequel (which came out earlier this year) was also well-received.

The anime is streaming on HIDIVE, ADN, and Bilibili with English subtitles. In addition to the second season, which concluded earlier this year, the series is also getting a movie.

This list is just a tiny bit of what you could be watching, as 2023 was a good year for anime. Some of these titles came as a surprise for me and while making this feature I was quite surprised to realize that some of them came out so recently because it feels like they have been around for a while. Regardless of that, they are a perfect starting point if you feel like watching something new so make sure to give them a go, if you already haven't. And if you have, let us know which one was your favorite!