My Favourite Ongoing Anime in 2021: A Deep Dive into Ranking and Analysis

This year, 2021, the world of anime introduced a plethora of exciting and engaging narratives. As an avid fan, I compiled a list based on both the entertainment value and critical acclaim of the animes I watched throughout the year. Here's a detailed analysis and ranking of the 2021 ongoing anime that caught my attention.

Bleach

Rank: 11
Starting the year off with a classic, Bleach, I found its story and animation to be somewhat underwhelming. The only standout aspect was its original soundtrack (OST), particularly Shinji's theme. While the final showdowns like Vasto Lorde Ichigo vs. Ulquiorra and Dangai Ichigo vs. Aizen offered excitement, most of the arcs did not engage me enough. I gave the Soul Society arc a 6/10, while the Arrancar and Bount arcs were nearly irredeemable. Fullbringer, in my opinion, was a waste.

Boruto: Naruto Next Generations 2021

Rank: 10
Coming in at number 10, Boruto focuses on the next generation of the Uzumaki clan. This year's arc, The Vessel and Kawaki, provided some of the best moments of the series. Despite the outstanding soundtrack and a multitude of hype, it's essential to mention that the animation still falls short with unimpressive battles like those between Delta and Naruto or Kashin Koji vs. Isshiki. Although the storyline remains unoriginal, it managed to surpass Bleach in this ranking.

The Misfit of the Demon King Academy

Rank: 9
This show, while decent, relies heavily on the contributions of its characters, notably Anos and his mother. The plot itself was average, but it managed to hold my interest with an overpowered protagonist. The combination of energetic fights and a well-developed cast makes it worth a watch.

Demon Slayer: Mugen Train Episodes/Early Entertainment District Arc

Rank: 8
While the Mugen Train movie ranks higher than the episode adaptations, the entertainment district arc didn't quite captivate me. Overall, they were solid, proving that the adaptation can stand on its own without the movie's enhancements.

Attack on Titan Season 4 Pt.1

Rank: 7
AOT, while typically a benchmark for excellence in anime, has disappointed me in its 4th season. The CGI and overall feel were rather lackluster. Still, it showed improvement with its less predictable and more intense narrative.

Jojo's Bizarre Adventure: Stone Ocean

Rank: 6
This season, as a long-time Jojo fan, was quite enjoyable. The story was captivating, especially due to the ability to binge-watch. Jolyne's character development was impressive, and the cast in general was perfectly cast.

Jujutsu Kaisen

Rank: 5
JJK, while being okay, is often criticized for being overrated. Its lack of originality and theft of mainstream concepts might be understandable, but Mappa's direction and the solid performances of the cast make it a worthy watch. Other shows, however, are superior in my opinion.

Demon Slayer: Mugen Train

Rank: 4
This was the second best anime movie I watched in 2021. It introduced a compelling character with emotional beats and visually stunning moments. High-quality animation and OSTs complete this masterpiece.

Fate Stay Night: Heaven's Feel 3

Rank: 3
Despite being related to other Fate series, this movie stands alone as the best in the franchise. It's a must-watch due to its unrivaled plot, narrative, animation, OST, emotions, and writing. Truly a pinnacle of anime storytelling.

Death Note

Rank: 2
Before watching Death Note, I dismissed it as overhyped, but it exceeded my expectations. It was nearly flawless with excellent writing and dynamics. L and Light as best frenemies are a classic combination. An exemplary anime with a perfect 9.5/10.

Castlevania

Rank: 1
I consider Castlevania the best anime of 2021 and one of the three best anime of all time. Its unique animation style, rich feel, and visual elements make it stand out. It's perfect in almost every aspect, except for the lack of opening theme. A 100/10 show that every anime lover should watch.