The winter 2021 anime season is now over. While there were quite a few series released, only a few stood out over the rest. From brand new original series to the next seasons of modern classics, this past winter anime season is one for the books. There were more than a handful of memorable moments and shocking twists that gave audiences much to think about.

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The majority of shows released this season managed to maintain a high standard of quality despite everything going on in the world. They should all be commended for creating some fantastic shows and giving anime fans all over the world something to look forward to each week.

Updated August 9, 2021 by Mark Sammut: The Summer 2021 anime season has a couple of great shows, but it doesn't quite compare to the rest of the year's offerings. Winter and Spring 2021 both produced an insane amount of quality content; even if the rest of the year contains nothing but terrible shows, 2021 would still be considered a great year for anime just because of Winter and Spring. If someone is looking for a way to pass the time while waiting for new episodes of Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid S and Higurashi: When They Cry – SOTSU to drop, they can always go back and watch the best Winter 2021 anime shows they might have missed. 

15 The Promised Neverland Season 2

The-Promised Neverland Season 2 Emma Waving

Beyond being a manga filled with intrigue, great characters, and a good story The Promised Neverland is also a pretty popular anime. The series manages to capture the spirit and feel of the manga while also allowing the anime to add its own flairs. The animation is a joy to behold and the colors always seem to jump off the screen.

Season 1 gave audiences a taste of the larger story at play in addition to lending a feeling of completion. Season 2 guides the story in quite a few interesting ways that vastly differ from the manga. This is a bold and controversial move that was met with a mixed reception.

14 World Trigger Season 2

World Trigger Season 2

After a rather long wait, World Trigger returned for its second season, and the anime picks up right where it left off. Permitting someone remembers enough about the first season to actually follow what's going on, World Trigger's season 2 is an engrossing action shonen anime with strong characters, solid world-building, and a sense of urgency.

With season 3 on the way, the future looks bright for World Trigger. This anime tends to get overlooked due to its first season having an underwhelming opening batch of episodes, but it picks up momentum quite quickly after that.

13 Horimiya

Hori-Haruka

A long-overdue adaptation of a popular manga, Horimiya is a must-watch for romance fans. Its title refers to the main couple, Hori and Miyamura, as the anime explores their relationship. From awkward strangers to comfortable partners, Horimiya handles this subject with grace, dignity, and charm. Both characters are likable and bring out the best in each other.

Sadly, the anime loses steam as it goes along since the season's latter half switches focus to its secondary characters, exploring their relationship instead of the main couple's. Unfortunately, they aren't as well developed or as interesting as Hori and Miyamura.

12 Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation

Mushoku Tensei Jobless Reincarnation Promo Image

One of the most original series to arrive during winter 2021 was Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation. The tale of a homeless 34-year-old NEET that gets reincarnated in a mystical and magical realm was filled with imagination. The world of the show feels fully realized while providing more than a few mysteries for viewers to speculate on.

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The animation is good and the characters are extremely likable. The overall theme of the show is both touching and poignant. The series comes to a satisfying conclusion that leaves just enough open for the recently announced second season.

11 Kemono Jihen

Kemono Jihen Gang Looking Down

A supernatural shonen anime with some great fight scene animation, Kemono Jihen is the full package. The genre the series resides in has more than a few classic anime to its name but this still manages to leave its mark. There is a bit of Inuyasha mixed with Fullmetal Alchemist in the DNA of the show.

From likable characters to a fun story, this series really made its mark in just 12 episodes. If a second season is made then more and more anime fans are bound to give this show some attention. If Kemono Jihen continues on its current path, it could very well be a classic one day.

10 Beastars Season 2

Beastars Season 2 Poster

Beastars presents a unique and at times brutal look at a complicated world filled with anthropomorphic animals. The average anime would focus on these animals as cute beings that can easily resist their most basic instincts and urges. This series takes the opposite approach and makes one think of how hard it would be to live in a world that is deeply rooted in a survival of the fittest mindset.

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The first season allowed viewers to get acclimated to this stark world. The second season amps things up a bit and continues to provide numerous characters with difficult decisions that go against their very nature.

9 The Quintessential Quintuplets 2

The Quintessential Quintuplets 2 anime - Nakano sisters

The harem genre is an acquired taste, and these shows can be hard sells for the uninitiated. If someone is looking to sample the genre at the height of its powers, then they cannot go wrong with The Quintessential Quintuplets.

The premise boils down to a guy tutoring five siblings; contrived as that concept might sound, The Quintessential Quintuplets does an admirable job of exploring and developing each character so they feel like three-dimensional people. The show is funny, sweet, and well animated, and season 2 is even better than its solid predecessor.

8 Yuru Camp Season 2

Yuru Camp anime, Rin and Nadeshiko

A beautiful follow-up to a beautiful first season, Yuru Camp's comeback confirmed that it is one of the most relaxing and heartwarming slice of life anime of all time. Focusing more on Rin, season 2 explores the show's core friendships while once again realistically diving into camping.

Naturally, season 2 goes through an array of stunning vistas and sights. In fact, this anime is so great at showing off nature's beauty, it might just inspire someone to explore whether they can go on a camping trip.

7 Re: Zero - Starting Life In Another World Season 2

Re Zero Season 2 Promo Image

The much-lauded Re: Zero series returned with a new season of unexpected turns. The first season was a good start and managed to gain quite a fan following. With many memorable and fun characters, it is no wonder why this series is held in such high regard.

While the narrative choices of this season are a tad different from the previous one, it manages to work out well. The lynchpin of this series is the characters and their interactions. The dialogue is the biggest stand-out of the entire season. It is gripping and engaging, allowing this anime to rise above many other Isekai series.

6 SK8 The Infinity

SK8 The Infinity Original Anime Promo Image

It is a wonder why there haven't been more anime series that focus on skateboarding. SK8 The Infinity is a fun series with more than a few wild moments. As with most sports anime, things can get absurd but still maintain a level of seriousness.

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Luckily, this series manages to balance both pretty well, even the absurd moments are done in a fun manner. The general tone of the series is humorous with a few heavy moments that can hit a viewer in the face. If people go into the series expecting a fun story then they will be more than satisfied.

5 Cells At Work!!

Cells At Work Season 2 White Blood Cell Salute

One of the biggest surprises of the 2018 summer anime season was Cells At Work. The series was inventive and clever, with the central plot being about a bunch of cells fighting to keep a body healthy. The first season was much talked about amongst anime fans. The story was great and with some wonderful animation, a future classic was in the works.

After a long wait, season 2 arrived this past January and proved that the success of the show was not a fluke. The series continues to be fun and informative with some great character interactions and action-packed moments.

4 Dr. Stone: Stone Wars

Dr Stone Season 2 Gang Defense

One of the top shonen anime and manga today, Dr. Stone returned with a vengeance. The first season was phenomenal and many fans wondered if a second season could live up to its predecessor. As it turns out, the second season may just top the first in some minds. The story focuses on the "Stone Wars" part of the manga and it more than does it justice.

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It will come as no surprise to fans of the show that the animation remains top-notch and the story is just as gripping as in the first season. This series is on the path to greatness and it shows no sign of stopping.

3 Non Non Biyori Nonstop

non non biyori nonstop characters

Non Non Biyori has never released anything close to a mediocre season, but the anime's extremely slow pace and uneven humor limit its appeal and accessibility. An almost therapeutic experience, Non Non Biyori's mix of nature appreciation and stress-free storytelling has produced some fantastic moments, but Nonstop is the franchise's most consistently enjoyable season.

For one, the comedy is far stronger in Non Non Biyori Nonstop, with the characters being given more freedom to interact with people outside of their typical circles. All of the Non Non Biyori seasons are worth checking out, but Nonstop is the anime at its best.

2 Attack On Titan: The Final Season

Attack on Titan Final Season Promo Image

After a multitude of brutal and violent battles, the warriors of Attack on Titan will finally get to rest. The first part of the final season arrived and it managed to shock viewers just as much as the anime did when it debuted. The endgame of the series is coming into view and it looks to be promising.

There are a few pacing issues as the show is taking its time to deliver a satisfying conclusion to the fans that have stuck with it all this time. All the pieces are in place for a bombastic conclusion that will doubtfully leave many characters unscarred.

1 Wonder Egg Priority

Wonder Egg Priority Gang Laughing

If any anime fan ever forgets just how poignant and beautiful a series can be then they should check out Wonder Egg Priority. On the surface, the show has fantastic animation and a seemingly joyous tone. Right from the jump, the show lets audiences know that its story has depth and nuance.

Ai Ooto loses her closest friend to suicide and must find a reason to continue living. After buying a mysterious "Wonder Egg," she must help several people overcome a variety of tough challenges. The story is supreme and will resonate with viewers for a long time after the credits have rolled.

NEXT: Winter 2021: Most Underrated Anime Of The Season, Ranked