1. My Hero Academia Season 4
2019 is shaping up to be a breakout year for anime releases, with everything from the latest shonen sensations to long awaited adaptations of seinin classics. Of what’s already been confirmed, whether it is brand new shows, or returning shows with new seasons, these are the 15 best new anime of 2019 to have on your radar.
My Hero Academia had a fantastic year in 2018. Its popularity only grew thanks to a stellar third season, the release of its first feature film My Hero Academia: Two Heroes in theaters worldwide, and a video game adaptation in the form of My Hero: One’s Justice.
It look like it’ll keep up that momentum too, with a fourth season confirmed for release in Oct. 2019 in early December. The announcement came with a key visual of series protagonist Izuku “Deku” Midoriya running alongside Mirio “Lemillion” Togata, one of the top three students at UA.
Though little else has been revealed at this point, the plot points left hanging at the end of season three point toward a new threat emerging to cause havoc and destruction. Midoriya will have to further understand his quirk One for All to stop it, though Mirio and his master may be able to help him along the way.
Studio Bones will retain their role as the series’ production studio, ensuring fans can look forward to plenty more stellar animation and fight scenes. There’s still plenty of time for newcomers to catch up on the series as well, with seasons one through three available subbed via Crunchyroll and dubbed via Funimation.
2. The Promised Neverland
Ask anyone who has been keeping up with shonen manga about The Promised Neverland and there’s a good chance they’ll talk your ear off about how long they’ve been looking forward to its anime adaptation.
Set in a world where humans are secretly farmed as food for demons, the plot focuses on Emma, Ray and Norman, three genius children who uncover their twisted fate through chance.
Unwilling to accept their deaths, they begin to plot their escape from the facility where they were raised, all the while outwitting the adults in charge of cultivating them for their eventual slaughter.
Equal parts Hunter X Hunter and Death Note, The Promised Neverland has more brains and creativity than a lot of other anime out there. It’ll be readily available on Crunchyroll starting Jan. 11, 2019 too, making it that much easier to give it a look.
3. Dragon Ball Super: Broly
The latest in the long line of films based off of the Dragon Ball series, Dragon Ball Super: Broly has already accrued quite a few accolades leading up to its western release and is certain to be among the best new anime of 2019.
Before the events of the main series, the Saiyan home planet of Vegeta was completely annihilated by Frieza. Of the entire population, only three Saiyan children were spared from its destruction: The low-class Goku, the prince Vegeta, and the barbaric Broly.
Many years later, the three are reunited on Earth, though it proves anything but friendly. It isn’t long before Broly has gone berserk, leaving Goku and Vegeta to team up and stop the monster before he lays their home planet to waste.
From what has already been said about the film, fans know they are in for some of the most well-animated fight scenes in the series to date. That said, there’s also more than enough spectacle to draw in newer fans, making it an experience that any fan of anime should be psyched for.
4. One Punch Man Season 2
While the production studio Madhouse may not be behind the series’ second season, there’s still plenty to be excited about from the return of anime’s greatest one hit wonder, One Punch Man.
Following the events of the first season, Saitama and his cybernetic pupil Genos are still hard at work climbing the hero ranking ladder. It is still unknown that Saitama saved the world from destruction – let alone that he may be the world’s most powerful hero – and so he continues his daily heroics uninterrupted.
Unfortunately, a new threat has emerged for him to conquer. A hero hunter, intent on becoming an unbeatable monster, has been sighted taking down heroes left and right. There’s no telling how many he’ll leave in his wake before reaching Saitama, but the cue-balled crusher is more than ready for a worthy opponent.
The season currently has an Apr. 2019 release window, and given the first season’s availability on several platforms over the years, there’ll likely be no shortage of options for legal streaming come its release.
5. Dr. Stone
Another recent adaptation of an up and coming Shonen Jump series, Dr. Stone promises to be a novel offering compared to its contemporaries in 2019.
Following a strange flash of life that turns every human on Earth into stone, the young genius Senku awakens to find the world reverted to its primitive, stone age state.
Humans are no longer at the top of the food chain, and those that have awakened from their stone slumber must make due without the inventions that made them the world’s ruling creature.
Eager to return the world’s populace to normal and uncover what caused it in the first place, he sets about reconstructing every major scientific invention he can with what is available to him.
Before long, he discovers that he isn’t the only human on the planet, and that he’ll have more than enough allies in his journey to reclaim mankind’s scientific progress and ensure their survival.
6. Ultraman
An adaptation of the latest take on the prolific series, Netflix’s Ultraman follows a young man named Shinjiro after he discovers he is the son of the original Ultraman. Unlike his father however, he can’t freely control Ultraman’s power on his own, having only been born with part of the factor that causes it to trigger.
As such, he must don a mechanized suit capable of harnessing his latent abilities, allowing him to take up his father’s mantle and challenge the evil forces that have appeared. With it, he’ll start a new legend and take up the torch from his father, sparking a new Ultraman legend in the process.
Slated for an Apr. 1, 2019 release on Netflix, the series shows potential as a fresh take on a beloved series a la Devilman Crybaby.
Acclaimed animation studio Production I.G. is likewise helming the show’s production, and given their experience with 3D animated shows in the past, there’s plenty stacking up in this show’s favor.
7. One Piece: Stampede
Announced as a celebratory project in honor of the One Piece anime’s 20th anniversary, One Piece: Stampede already has a fair bit of hype behind it.
Touted by series creator Eichiro Oda as something that could only be made due to the series’ 20 years in existence, the film has only received one ominous trailer so far. It shows Monkey D. Luffy’s trademark straw hat drifting through the wind, tattered by what could only be another life or death battle on the high seas.
Little is known about the film save for its Aug. 5, 2019 release in Japan, but given the show’s growing popularity in the west over the years, it’s safe to assume it’ll see a widespread release shortly after.
There’s also plenty of proof that One Piece films can be unique and entertaining anime experiences based on past films like Strong World and Film Gold, so fans and newcomers alike will want to stay tuned for more info on this film as it surfaces.
8. Kakegurui Season 2
The tale of the gambling-crazed enigma named Yumeko Jabami continues with its second season, boasting stakes and challenges all more devious than the last.
After the events of the first season, Yumeko and her friends draw the attention of student council secretary Sayaka Igarashi. She invites Yumeko to take on a tower filled to the brim with eccentric challengers, with each round of games judged by the student council president Momobami.
Obsessed with finding new ways to gamble and eager to challenge Momobami once again, Yumeko accepts and begins her climb toward another confrontation with the only person as recklessly committed to gambling as she is.
Slated for a Jan. 8, 2019 release in Japan, the series is still licensed by Netflix and will likely see a release sometime later in the year. It’ll also once again feature animation work from Mappa, ensuring there will still be plenty of enticing visuals to go along with the high stakes drama.
9. Boogiepop and Others
In an unnamed city in Japan, there exists an urban legend. It tells of a phantom named Boogiepop that frees those in pain from their suffering, albeit at the cost of their own lives.
The tale is met with laughter and disbelief until one fateful day when an odd light envelopes the city, followed shortly after by a string of disappearances. Most believe them to be simple unexplained occurrences, but a group of high schoolers know the terrifying secret that links the events to the very real Boogiepop.
Produced by Madhouse, Boogiepop Phantom and Others marks the first adaptation of the series in many years, and a top notch one at that. Its supernatural elements and rumination on the main casts’ relationships are on full display, all topped off with animation on par with a feature film.
10. Attack on Titan Season 4
Where the third season of Attack on Titan sought to take the series in some interesting new directions, season four appears set to return to its high stakes battles with titans.
Following a clash with the hidden royal family and their forces, Eren has finally gained the power he needs to seal the hole in the wall near his hometown of Shiganshina.
More importantly, though, is that he can finally reach his father’s basement, which hides a clue as to why humanity must face the titans in the first place.
With his friends and allies in the scouting regiment behind him, he sets out to reclaim the territory for humanity and uncover his father’s secrets, all the while preparing for a confrontation with the ones responsible for his home town’s destruction.
It’s sure to be a season full of revelations and high stakes battles, especially after the forbidding teaser found during the credits of season three’s finale. Fans can look forward to seeing everything the next season has to offer when it airs in Apr. 2019.
11. The Rising of the Shield Hero
Naofumi Iwatani sees his life take a turn for the fantastical when an ancient book whisks him off to a new world. Once there, he discovers is the legendary shield hero, one of four powerful warriors destined to save the world from the Waves of Catastrophe.
Excited at this new opportunity for fame and adventure, Naomi sets out to realize his destiny… only to be betrayed by his first party and left without a cent to his name.
Now, he works alone, save for a companion named Raphtalia, and seeks to challenge the Waves without the help of the others. Thus begins a tale of a hero who will rise from nothing to save everything.
From what’s been shown of the series so far, The Rising of the Shield Hero looks to be a solid isekai series with some well realized fantasy elements. It also helps that it marks Crunchyroll’s first simul-dub title, with both the subbed and dubbed versions available the same day it streams in Japan.
Best of all, it’s right around the corner with a Jan. 9, 2019 premiere date.
12. Code Geass: Lelouch of the Re;surrection
A new addition to the beloved series’ story, Code Geass: Lelouch of the Re;surrection drops viewers into a new conflict that arises two years after the completion of the Zero Requiem and the death of Lelouch vi Britannia.
Following a brief period of peace, Nunnally and Suzaku – now acting as Zero – face a new threat in the form of the Zilkhstan Kingdom. Eager to fill the void left by Lelouch’s death and take control of the world, they stage an all out attack upon the world with Knightmares and Geass alike at their disposal.
With no other choice, Suzaku once again returns to the fray, desperate to maintain the peace his friend sacrificed his life for. Behind the scenes though, other forces are at work that may see a new plan enacted by his deceased comrade.
Though not ideal for some who enjoyed the series’ original ending, it’s undeniably exciting that Code Geass’ story will be continued in earnest. The film is currently slated for a Feb. 2019 release in Japan, and Funimation has already licensed it for a western release sometime later this year.
13. Mob Psycho 100 Season 2
A satirical tale of self acceptance mixed with over the top psychic-powered action, Mob Psycho 100 quickly became a fan favorite when it premiered in 2016. As such, it’s little surprise that a second season is nearly upon us, touted to include just as much excitement, comedy and self discovery as the first.
After surviving the events of the first season, Mob finds his life has settled into a peaceful routine. He goes to school, spends time with his friends and family and works his part time job as an exorcist with his master Reigen.
Before long though, new forces emerge that will push his powers to their very limit, so much so that his mind may snap under the pressure of trying to control them for the good of those he cares about.
It’s currently slated for a Jan. 6 premiere on Crunchyroll too, so fans don’t have long to wait before they can dive back into the fun and insanity.
14. Haikyu!! Season 4
Every so often, a sports anime comes around that most anyone can get into. Haikyu!! is the most recent example of this, and it’s poised to make its decisive return with a fourth season in Sept. 2019.
After successfully defeating Shiratorizawa at the end of season three, the Karasuno team heads home victorious and determined to claim victory in the Spring Interhigh Volleyball Tournament.
However, as they begin to receive word of who they’ll be facing, it becomes clear they’ll need to work together and push themselves to the limit like never before, or else be left behind in spite of all their hard work up to this point.
Not much else has been revealed, though there’s still plenty of time for more news to come out before its release. This also means there’s plenty of time for newcomers to catch up on all the action, all three seasons and their recap films currently available on Crunchyroll.
15. Vinland Saga
There are plenty of cult classic manga series out there that people will say deserve an anime adaptation. Of them, Vinland Saga stood near the top of the list, and it’ll finally have its day sometime in 2019.
After the death of his father at the hands of a mercenary named Askeladd, the young warrior Thorfinn joins up with the brigands for a chance to kill him in a duel. This desire drives his life, and has led to him becoming a legendary force of death on the battlefield.
Unfortunately, his plans and ambitions fall apart when Askeladd sees an opportunity to take control of England through deception and power plays, drawing Thorfinn and his allies into a violent conflict with mercenaries and military forces alike.
What follows is a tale of revenge and the lengths one will go to achieve it. With luck, Thorfinn will get what he so desired, but it may come at a cost to high for him to repay when all is said and done.
Full of story beats and characters on par with the best seinin series, Vinland Saga will scratch the itch of anyo
ne who enjoys some drama and depth to go along with their action-packed fight scenes.There’s no word on when or where it’ll be streamed just yet, but there’s plenty enough reason to believe it’ll be worth the wait.
16. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
Demon Slayer is the latest Shonen anime to take the world by storm, and for good reason. Based on the manga of the same name, Demon Slayer focuses on Tanjiro and his sister Nezuko, who are the sole survivors after a demon attacked and killed their family.
You’ve probably seen clips of Demon Slayer floating around, due to its utterly fantastic animation. It’s one of the most fluid shows you’ll watch the entire year, and combat scenes are exceptionally well done with loads of effects and transitions.
Past all the flash and pomp, however, Demon Slayer has a genuinely good story with a likable cast of characters.
Few anime come close to catching the level of excitement that Demon Slayer does, easily cementing its place as one of the best anime of the year, and perhaps one of the best Shonen anime of all time.
17. Carole & Tuesday
Carole & Tuesday has incredible talent behind it, created by the legendary Shinichiro Watanabe (Cowboy Bebop, Samurai Champloo) with animation done by Studio Bones (My Hero Academia).
At its heart Carole & Tuesday is an underdog story about two budding musicians, of the same name, going through the struggles of starting a band. Past that, though, the show brilliantly uses modern social and political themes to great effect, in order to enhance its storytelling and send a message.
Considering it’s a musical anime there’s also plenty of tunes, and boy does Carole & Tuesday have some serious bobs. Spanning a wide array of genres, the series uses music to help flesh out its characters personalities and the world.
Carole & Tuesday is an instant anime classic, and one of the best shows of the entire year.
18. Promare
Promare comes from the esteemed Studio Trigger, best known for creating Kill la Kill and Little Witch Academia. The film sports their trademark style, but notches things up to the umpteenth degree for an experience that’s basically a visual buffet for your eyes.
Promare focuses on two different sides of a conflict on a future Earth. Fire-wielding mutants called Mad Burnish are persecuted and launch terrorist attacks, while elite teams of firefighters known as Burning Rescue combat them. The film’s two main characters are on opposing sides of this conflict, with the Mad Burnish leader Lio Fotia and a new member of Burning Rescue named Galo Thymos.
The action in Promare is seriously stunning, and it’s all backed up by some strong characterization. The relationship that develops between Lio and Galo is a particular highlight, and by the end the duo feels like a real match.
If you haven’t seen Promare, you’re missing out on one of the most visually stunning anime films ever made.
19. Sarazanmai
Given Sarazanmai’s premise, most wouldn’t be blamed for being side-winded by how thoughtfully it tackles some difficult subject matter.Following the accidental destruction of an ancient statue, three young boys are stripped of their desires and turned into Kappas.
They’re then informed that the only way to return to how they once were is to track down others who have lost their desires and defeat them, gaining the favor of the King of Kappas in the process.Appearing to be a comedic fantasy anime chock full of Kappas, butt jokes and romantic entanglements, the series can be surprisingly heartfelt when it counts.
Themes of sexuality, belonging, and guilt are all handled with a grace few other series could hope to manage, and can leave the viewer with a new viewpoint on topics that they might otherwise have never thought of.It’s the kind of show that eases one out of their comfort zone, and when the credits roll on the final episode, chances are high that viewers will be chomping at the bit for news of a follow-up season.
20. Run With the Wind
It’s hard to nail down what Run With the Wind does best.On one hand, it masterfully weaves a tale of Kakeru, a former running prodigy who fell on hard times only to find a second chance at his dreams through a ramshackle team of novices.
Alongside his team, he learns to overcome obstacle after obstacle to achieve that which his heart most desires, and comes to terms with the mistakes and poor circumstances that brought him to where he is.
On the other hand, it’s the kind of show that envelopes viewers in the experience it provides, with crisp and clean animation matched by sound and art direction that elevate it from just another sports anime into something a step above.
There’s a lot to love about the series, but one thing is certain: It’s one of the best anime of 2019, and a show most anyone can enjoy if they give it a try.
Got a 2019 anime series you loved? Mention it in the comments below. While you’re here, check out another of our anime lists on the 12 most underrated anime you must watch.
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