axemac's anime tier list

Clannad & Clannad: After Story

This series was the first drama to have a profound impact on me. The first season hooked me by making me fall in love with the characters, enjoying the comedy of their shenanigans, and providing just enough drama to make my heart warmer. Then came After Story, and it just destroyed me in a way that I never thought possible.

Gratifying and blessed—those are the adjectives that describe Clannad's story for me. The way it wraps up and ties itself together is one of the most breathtaking experiences I ever had with anime.

Sora yori mo Tooi Basho

For its short 13 episode run, this anime left an unparalleled impact. Both times I watched it, I just could not stop until finishing it, nevermind sleeping. And both times, I finished covered with tears but thrilled. There's no other anime that tempts me for a rewatch as often as this one.

The execution is flawless, the drama hits deep, the characters are adorable, and the story absolutely heartening.

3-gatsu no Lion

March Comes in Like a Lion is my prime example of a flawless series. The story is a slow-paced heavy realistic drama, but it is handled so perfectly that it never feels suffocating or boring. It is balanced perfectly with cute wholesome moments, and comedy, providing the right amount of entertainment without ever becoming silly.

The plot is a plain slice of life that, but the characters are so engaging that you can't help the urge to watch episode after episode. Character development is truly exceptional: secondary, and even tertiary characters, get more development than many protagonists, and it is impossible to not feel empathetic.

Also the animation and sound in this anime is a work of art. While I'll admit that at first I was put off by the animation style, in retrospect it fits absolutely perfectly, and I would not have it any other way.

Monogatari

The Monogatari series is my love and obsession. With probably the best writing from any anime I have watched, the dialogues in this series are priceless—nowhere else did I find something as entertaining and enjoyable. Those same adjectives apply to the cast: it is impossible to pick favorites when every single character is so memorable and lovable. Add to that intriguing and well-written stories with a fascinating supernatural premise, and you have unmatched entertainment and rewatch value.

Kaguya-sama

This series is the perfect combination of romance, humor, magnificent characters, a ludicrous premise, hilarious scenarios, and just the right amount of heartwarming and tearjerking moments. All of that executed nearly flawlessly by a studio that is clearly working a labor of love.

Hibike! Euphonium

The Euphonium series hits all my weak spots: from the most basic cute girls doing cute things aspect, the exhilarating music, strong and lovable characters, engaging story, and the absolutely gorgeous KyoAni animation to top it off. The work hard, reach excellence, and compete for your dreams story speaks to me on a deep level. The characters are so well developed that I can't help but love them. This is a series that I could watch forever.

My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU

Given how many teen romantic comedies there are, it may be difficult to pinpoint what sets the Oregairu series apart. Maybe it is because it subverts the genre tropes just enough, without actually subverting them. Perhaps it is just uniquely competent in everything it does.

But in the end, it probably boils down to the characters: they are unique, relatable, and delightful. Yukino and Hachiman, in particular, are my soulmates with their nasty and cynical personalities and heartwarming kindness, Yui is so lovable that I just want her to be protected and happy, and I can't help but love Iroha's personality and cheekiness. And those are just some of the characters.

The one thing I know is that this is a delightful series, with dialogues and characters that rival those of Monogatari, and truly deserves a spot on this list.

Yagate Kimi ni Naru

The only reason YagaKimi is not god-tier is that the manga is the ultimate form, and while there is no second season the anime will remain an unfinished masterpiece. It is hard to explain why I love this story so much: it certainly starts with the characters, in particular Yuu which is as lovable as it gets. The romance is another thing that sets this apart: it is direct to the point, real and heartwarming — all characteristics that are so rare in anime — in the end, it just works.

Tsurezure Children

This is an epic anthology of great romance short stories and a hilarious comedy. The anime follows several couples in a mix of personalities and relationship stages. The romance is direct, no-frills, and heartwarming. The characters are all charming. Behind just YagaKimi, and maybe Oregairu depending on how season 3 ends, this is my favorite romance in anime.

Cross Game

The 50 episodes in this flew by like a breeze. By the end of it, I loved all characters like family. The story is a mix of a grounded drama and romance, in a school and sport setting. This anime is a hidden gem, with a heartwarming, enjoyable and ultimately rewarding story.

ReLife

This anime—and the mandatory OVA—is an incredibly satisfying story of growth, friendship, and romance. The mix of adult and school settings in the story hits very close to home and makes it all that more powerful. Reading the manga is an excellent complement to the anime, as it develops the ending further.

Haikyuu

In terms of raw sports series, Haikyuu is a masterpiece. Not only the animation is perfect, but the choreography of the games is flawless in providing the action, drama, and thrill that a series like this needs. Although the focus is on the sport, there is still enough character development to make them relatable and the stakes higher.

Rec

This is a short and straightforward romance story that is close to perfection. What makes this story appeal to me so much is the refreshing adult romance with a satisfying payoff that is so rare in anime.