They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder. A big factor for anime is the animation/art style, the color palettes/schemes and the sceneries. This is how you draw people in. They say you shouldn't judge a book by its cover but that is kind of hard when sight is one our primary senses. Now let's see if these animes live up to that standard of aesthetically pleasing animes.
10. As Miss Beelzebub Likes
1 Season, 12 Episodes
Genres: Slice of Life, Comedy, Demons, Fantasy, Romance, Shounen
According to legend, Beelzebub, betrayed God and was banished from Heaven for eternity becoming one of the seven princes of Hell. But what if Beelzebub was a woman? Just not any woman but a cute girl who loves pastel pink, soft and fluffy things and enjoys lazing around.
This is a fun and wholesome anime. It purified my soul as I watched this series. This anime made the list for its usage of pastels. It is elegant yet adorable. We don’t see many animes with a pastel color scheme since it is not a very popular look. Don’t get me wrong, there are many animes with some pastel color scheme in the series, but it is not the majority. Many animes have a strong color palette with wonderful line work. However, Miss Beelzebub is different and alluring. The usage of the pastel color scheme enhances the cute yet elegant atmosphere of the underworld. This series stray far away from the typical idea of what the underworld should look like. It almost makes me want to live there, almost. The charming and happy ambiance matches the characters charisma and comical antics. The interactions and relationships the characters have with one another is heartwarming and innocent. You can help but smile. This is a lovely and enjoyable anime to watch if you need a break from another series.
9. No Game No Life (NGNL)
1 Season, 12 Episodes, 1 Special, 1 Movie
Genres: Adventure, Comedy, Supernatural, Ecchi, Fantasy
Sora and Shiro are shut-in NEET siblings and the online gamer duo behind the legendary username "Blank." They view the real world as just another lousy game; however, a strange e-mail challenging them to a chess match changes everything—the brother and sister are plunged into a mystical world where gaming is everything.
This is a very fun anime! I thoroughly enjoyed both the anime and the movie. The colorful schemes of this series truly make it stand out from other animes. NGNL provides and delivers a fantasy adventure revolving around games and tropes. This is a fast-paced anime that doesn’t lose its momentum and keeps the viewer engaged from beginning to end. The vibrancy of this series is what keeps you captivated as you get a better understanding of the world and the other characters. The downside to this anime is ecchi-ness and the fan service in the series. If you are looking for a fun and non-committal anime, then this anime if for you.
8. Pretty Boy Detective Club (Bishounen Tanteidan)
1 Season, 12 Episodes
Genres: Mystery, School-Life
Mayumi Doujima promises her parents that she will give up on her dreams of becoming an astronaut on her 14th birthday if she cannot find a star she once saw long ago. That all changes when she meets the eccentric Manabu Soutouin, the president of the Pretty Boy Detective Club. How will Mayumi’s life change? What will the Pretty Boy Detective Club do with this case?
The Bishonen Series is based off a series of novels. Given that it is an adaptation of a novel series you can imagine how difficult it can be to get everything correct. This series has a lot of mixed reviews because of that. People argue that they did not capture the essence of the series, but it is difficult when an episode runs 25 minutes and you only have 12 episodes. On the other side, we have viewers who are confused because they have never read the series or unaware of it. However, if you look at the Bishonen series as an anime only, then it is entertaining. Personally, I feel like this is a knock version of Ouran High School Host Club. This series is entertaining, fun, quirky and beautiful. The characters are not only pretty but magnetic and eccentric, making the show a whole ride. This art style is not only stunning but dynamic and versatile. The longer you watch the more memorized you become. Like I stated before, this is a hit or miss anime. Check it out and make your own opinions about it.
7. The Ancient Magus' Bride
1 Season, 24 Episodes, 1 OVA, 1 ONA
Genres: Slice of Life, Magic, Fantasy, Shounen
Chise Hatori, a 15-year-old girl who has lost meaning in life. With no desire to live but not enough courage to end her life, Chise sells herself to an auction house. Elias Ainsworth a mysterious man buys Chise for five million pounds from the auction house. What will become of Chise now that she has a new master?
In this series, we follow our protagonist Chise who was bought by a supernatural being. Starting this series, we are swept into the gorgeous fantasy world of the Ancient Magus Bride. It is as if I stepped into a world of pure imagination. This series does a fantastic job of matching the aesthetics of the animation to the soundtrack/OST, allowing the viewer to become fully immersed in the series. This fantasy tale whisks you away to their world and their complicated relationship. As the series progresses, we are able see the interactions of Elias and Chise. Elias a supernatural being who doesn’t know much about humans or mundane life. Chise who begins to live as a person again. This a wonderful story of self-realization and understand. You won’t be disappointed in starting this series.
6. Mushi-Shi
2 Seasons, 26 Episodes, 1 Special
Genres: Slice of Life, Adventure, Mystery, Historical, Supernatural, Fantasy, Seinen
Mushi": the most basic forms of life in the world. They exist without any goals or purposes aside from simply "being." They are beyond the shackles of the words "good" and "evil." Mushi can exist in countless forms and are capable of mimicking things from the natural world such as plants, diseases, and even phenomena like rainbows. On a quest to understand, Mushi, Ginko travels the world researching Mushi in hopes of understanding these creature and the truth. Mushi-shi is a tale of a wander traversing the world and the people he encounters on his journey.
An episodic anime, we follow our protagonist Ginko and his encounter with mushi. Although, this is an older anime (released ~15 years ago), it has aged gracefully. As we navigate the mushi world with our protagonist, we bear witness to a stunning world. We see the lush, vibrant forests to breathtaking mountaintops and alluring oceans. Although, the landscape and backgrounds are captivating, the characters are a bit plane. This perfect contrast doesn’t allow you to get lost but keeps your focus instead. This is one of the most tranquil animes I have watched. This anime is what sparked my love for the Slice of Life genre. This is truly a beautiful and peaceful anime. You won’t regret watching this anime.
5. Tsurune
1 Season, 13 Episodes, 1 Movie (coming soon)
Genres: Drama, Sports, School-Life
"Tsurune"—It's the sound made by the bowstring when an arrow is released, and the sound that inspired Minato Narumiya to learn Kyuudo, a modern Japanese martial art focusing on archery. However, an incident during his last middle school tournament caused him to quit the sport. But soon, many factors conspire to make Minato take up the bow once again: the start of a new Kyuudo club in his high school. What awaits Minato and his team?
Kyoto Animation does another fantastic job at creating a gorgeous anime. Kyoto Animation not only does an amazing job with its animation but with the audio quality of show as well. Listening to the release of bow and soft tunes truly complement the show. This archery anime is simple to understand and is heavily character driven. As you watch the show you see characters struggle with the sport and each other. Trying to understand themselves and their passion for the sport. This anime focusses mostly on the dynamic of the members then the archery. We go on a small journey with the members to become a team and strive to become better. This anime does not have your traditional sports fighting spirit and it goes at slower pace to have you connect to the players and their inner turmoil. Overall, the show is really good!
4. Beyond the Boundary
1 Season, 12 Episodes, 4 Specials, 2 Movies
Genres: Slice of Life, Supernatural, Fantasy
Mirai Kuriyama is the sole survivor of a clan of Spirit World warriors with the power to employ their blood as weapons. As such, Mirai is tasked with hunting down and killing "youmu"—creatures said to be the manifestation of negative human emotions. One day, while deep in thought on the school roof, Mirai comes across Akihito Kanbara, a rare half-breed of youmu in human form. What will happen when they meet each other?
Beyond the Boundary is another Kyoto Animation product. This is one first animes to make me say wow out loud because of the animation. This is series made me huge fan of Kyoto Animation. It was because of this anime that I went out of my way to look up more animes created by this studio. The artwork for this show is magnificent with rich depth in terms of visual production. Although, I enjoy this anime greatly, it is a hit or miss series with the public. The plot has some holes and can get a bit messy. The character relationship progresses a bit too fast for the plot line. Even though this is not the best anime of all time, it is an enjoyable anime series. Aesthetically, this is fantastic anime and 100% recommend it the visual/ art department. In the other, categories it is best for you to make your assumptions on it.
3. Land of the Lustrous
1 Season, 12 Episodes
Genres: Action, Drama, Fantasy, Mystery, Seinen
In the mysterious future, crystalline organisms called Gems inhabit a world that has been destroyed by six meteors. Each Gem is assigned a role in order to fight against the Lunarians, a species who attacks them in order to shatter their bodies and use them as decorations. Phosphophyllite, also known as Phos, is a young and fragile Gem who dreams of helping their friends in the war effort. What will become of the Phos when she is tasked with compiling an encyclopedia because of their delicate condition.
This an anime that was underappreciated and overshadowed by other animes during it’s release. This is a CGI anime and before you stop reading because I mention CGI, give this anime a shot. It is phenomenally done. I know some CGI can be off putting but this anime is seamless in its animation. This anime has a way of immediately captivating you into the story and the world. Not only does this anime use music fantastically to help entrance you into the series but the beautiful scenery takes your breath away. The narrative for me is a driving point of making this series as good as it is. Moreover, if you are a fan of Steven’s Universe then you will enjoy this series. there are some similarities to the Steven’s Universe and Land of Lustrous. Overall, this an anime that is unique and whimsical and you will be glued to the screen once you start this anime.
2. Demon Slayer
1 Season, 26 Episodes, 1 Movie
Genres: Action, Demons, Historical, Shounen, Supernatural
Tanjirou Kamado and his family live in a remote mountain. Although, they are poor they are happy. However, Tanjirou’s life is turned upside down when his family has been slaughtered and his sister Nezuko, who has become a bloodthirsty demon. Tanjirou swears to avenge his family and stay by his only remaining sibling. Alongside the mysterious group calling themselves the Demon Slayer Corps, Tanjirou will do whatever it takes to slay the demons and protect the remnants of his beloved sister's humanity.
This anime took the anime community by storm. Not only does this anime have a solid plot and dynamic, but charismatic characters. It also has some of the best animation I have seen in a lot time. The animation is unbelievable. This anime is 10/ 10. If you haven’t seen it, I highly recommended it! It is must watch!
1.Violet Evergarden
1 Season, 10 Episodes + 1 Special, 2 Movies
Genre: Drama, Slice of Life, Fantasy
Violet Evergarden was abandoned as a child and raised as a solider. After a ten-year long war comes to an end, Violet must reenter and readjust to civilian life. Follow Violet on this heartwarming journey of self-discovery.
If you haven’t noticed by now, I absolutely love Violet Evergarden. It is one of my favorite animes. This anime encompasses the idea of beauty in tragedy. Every episode is beautifully drawn, and each story is compelling. As I watched each episode, I couldn’t help but ugly cry. Violet Evergarden presented a story with heavy emotions as we watch our protagonist navigates life through her clients. Trying to find a sense of self as she helps relay their emotions. Each episodes shows a different challenge and how we as humans must persevere. This is a gorgeous anime that will have you crying each episode. So, grab the tissues, a cup of tea and blanket cause you won’t be moving for a while when you start this show.
Honorable Mentions
Hyouka
Kino’s Journey
A lull in the Sea
Death Parade
Fate/ Unlimited Blade series