We discuss the 10 Best Anime Shows from Winter 2023. Keep up with the seasonal trends and add these anime series to your watch list.
With the Winter 2023 anime season coming to a close, viewers have been submitting their final reviews, deciding what shows truly delighted them this season and which were less entertaining.
While several shows returned with highly anticipated second seasons, other newcomers surprised fans with just how enjoyable they were.
In an anime season, the top spot is always open, with anything from an action series to a slice of life able to capture the top spot as long as it captivates the audience.
The lineup for the Winter 2023 anime season is equally as diverse, with various genres securing top marks. If you are looking for recommendations, here are the best Winter 2023 anime you should check out. We’ve also provided the MyDramaList score as a handy cross reference.
Best Anime Shows from Winter 2023
10. Soaring Sky! Pretty Cure
Don’t let the cutesy animation of this series fool you, as fans of the series say this is one of the most exciting franchise entries yet. In it, a young girl named Sora finds herself lost in another world when she attempts to save the infant princess Ellee from a monster.
Despite being unfamiliar with this new place, Sora vows to return the princess safely by whatever means necessary. With its fun character designs and Sailor Moon-esque transformation sequences, it’s sure to appeal to fans of the magical girl genre.
MAL Score: 7.67
9. Trigun Stampede
When it comes to series reboots, especially of beloved classics, fans are often split on whether or not it’s a good idea. With its latest retelling, Trigun Stampede proves that sometimes putting a new spin on an old classic can be good.
In this remake, reporters Meryl Stryfe and Roberto De Niro search for a Vash the Stampede, an infamous outlaw with a violent reputation.
It’s a futuristic action adventure sure to capture the attention of sci-fi shonen fans. While the animation can take a little getting used to, it shouldn’t deter anyone from missing out on this surprisingly good reboot.
MAL Score: 7.68
8. Tomo-Chan Is a Girl!
Fans were skeptical about this series when it was first announced, afraid of its portrayal of gender stereotypes and tropes. However, it turned out to be nothing as anyone expected, providing one of the most entertaining yet self-aware romantic comedies in a long time.
In the series “tomboy,” Tomo Aizawa confesses her love to her longtime friend Jun, only for him to misunderstand what she means. After realizing Jun does not see her the same way because he barely sees her as a girl at all, Tomo makes it her new goal to change Jun’s perspective and earn his heart.
Fans of a good laugh will love this hilarious series and its one-of-a-kind characters.
MAL score: 7.66
7. Onimai: I’m Now Your Sister
This newcomer series started off lower in the rankings but skyrocketed in popularity later in the season with its hilarious storylines. The series follows Mahiro Oyama, a hermit whose shut-in lifestyle has begun to worry his sister Mihari.
To help him, Mihari creates a medicine that turns Mahiro into a female for the unforeseen future. It’s definitely one of the season’s wilder premises, but it still makes for some hilarious sequences.
Although there may be moments that are more shocking or raunchy than fans expect, the series as a whole is still worth the experience.
MAL Score: 7.76
6. Buddy Daddies
Hailed as the next Spy x Family before it ever premiered, Buddy Daddies had a lot of hype to live up to, and it certainly did. This fun series was praised not only for its unique premise but also for its adorable depiction of a found family.
From the beginning, it’s clear that Kazuki, Rei, and Miri have a chemistry that’s hard not to enjoy. Mix their hilarious antics with the excitement of being an assassin, and it’s no wonder fans loved this quirky series as much as they did.
MAL Score: 7.88
5. Tsurune – The Linking Shot
As the sequel to one of the most beautifully animated sports series out right now, fans could not wait to see what would happen in Tsurune season two. The series continues to follow the Kazemai High School Kyudo Club, where members specialize and compete in the ancient martial art of Japanese archery.
After a fantastic performance in the prefectural tournament, Minato Narumiya and his friends set their sights on nationals, preparing for one of the biggest competitions of their high school careers. Fans of sports anime will surely enjoy this one.
MAL Score: 7.91
4. The Angel Next Door Spoils Me Rotten
This romantic comedy series took anime viewers by storm this season, becoming a must-watch series for romance fans. In it, a young, beautiful girl named Mahiru Shiina takes an interest in her classmate, Amane Fujimiya, who seems to have difficulty properly caring for himself.
Over time, the two become closer as Shiina spends time coming over and cooking for Fujimiya. It’s the kind of romance that sneaks up on you, but you can’t help but root for it in the end.
MAL Score: 7.99
3. Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? Season 4 Part 2
While Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? has always been a good series; this season went above and beyond, gifting fans with not only one of the most interesting arcs yet, but one of the best series of the season.
Few stories were more exciting this season than watching Bell and Ryuu navigate the most dangerous floors of the dungeon. With everything from action to drama to some of the most gut-wrenching backstories the series has ever animated, this was definitely one of the most satisfying entries in the Winter 2023 anime season.
MAL Score: 8.26
2. Bungo Stray Dogs Season 4
With its fourth season ending, Bungo Stray Dogs has once again delivered one of the most intricate and fascinating mysteries plots of the anime season. No one could’ve predicted just how serious things would get for the Armed Detective Agency, with its reputation ruined and its members accused of being criminals.
Still, it made for some very entertaining episodes. With week after week continues to surprise and impress, it’s no wonder this season ended up as high on the list as it did.
MAL Score: 8.63
1. Vinland Saga
As one of the most anticipated returns of 2023, fans expected great things from Vinland Saga season 2, and they have not been disappointed. Despite being only halfway finished, this series still secured the top spot thanks to its beautiful animation and gripping plots.
Although this season takes place a few years after the first, it still follows Thorfinn on his journey to figure out where he belongs. With plenty of fresh new faces and returning favorites, it’s easy to get caught back up in the excitement of Thorfinn and the other Vikings.
MAL Score: 8.70
Do you have any other recommendations for Best Anime Shows from Winter 2023? Let us know!
