After covering the 10 most popular animes of 2019, let’s now take a look at the most hyped up anime episodes!
How the Ranking Is Determined
The order of this list does not represent my personal opinion. I simply list the episodes that received the most upvotes on popular social media site Reddit. There are only two exceptions to this rule:
- I only list the first episode of an anime if it’s not its first season. Animes on their second season or beyond receive a lot of hype for their first episode. This has more to do with the fact the anime is back and less with the episode itself. Only One-Punch Man Season 2 and My Hero Academia Season 4 were affected by this rule. They still both make the list at slightly lower positions with other episodes.
- You will only find the highest-rated episode of each anime on this list. There are no multiple entries for a single anime.
I describe things in a way that is quite cryptic if you’re not familiar with the series but still clear to those who are. Never the less: before continuing, you should be aware that some spoilers are unavoidable.
Honorable Mention: Jo-Jo’s Bizarre Adventure Part 5, Episode 31 (Green Day and Oasis, Part 2 / Green Tea and Sanctuary, Part 2)
This episode was the number 10 entry of this list until the very last week of the year. That’s close enough, so I am leaving it in.
Jo-Jo’s Bizarre Adventure has a reputation for being both quirky and brutal and this episode offers plenty of both. The fact that the series has already reached its fifth part may be a little intimidating, but each part really is a treat for the eye. If you haven’t given the series a try yet, you really should, even if it’s just to catch up with all the memes and the many references made in other shows.
10. My Hero Academia Season 4, Episode 9 (Red Riot)
Despite being based on a cliché premise, My Hero Academia keeps delivering and evolving. The suspense is heavier than ever, which is rare for an anime in its fourth season. The extensive character roster of the anime keeps getting fleshed out more and more, rarely feeling overwhelming. In this episode, it’s Kirishima’s time to shine.
9. One-Punch Man Season 2, Episode 3 (The Hunt Begins)
The second season of One-Punch Man received mixed reviews. While it wasn’t bad, it just wasn’t a match for the quality of the first season. The third episode manages to recapture the hype with the beautifully animated Garou vs. Tanktop Master. If, after this, other fights such as Garou vs. Metal Bat seem less impressive, I highly recommend you check out the Manga instead. The drop in quality is not because of the source material, which is still going very strong.
8. The Rising of the Shield Hero Episode 4 (Lullaby at Dawn)
This episode marks the start of a shift in the story. Before the road to recovery begins, Naofumi is flung to the bottom of the darkest pits one last time. Luckily, it doesn’t take too long before at least some justice is served. We also receive some answers regarding Naofumi’s seemingly defective senses in this episode.
7. The Promised Neverland Episode 1 (121045)
Aww, a group of orphans growing up in a loving environment. Adorable, right? Maybe even a little boring at first. Before drawing any conclusions, you may want to stick it out until the end of the episode. Don’t get overhyped either, though. There are long stretches between action-heavy scenes, filled with mind games. If those tickle your fancy, however, then you’re sure to enjoy this show.
6. Dr. Stone Episode 1 (Stone World)
Another entry with a strong opening episode, Dr. Stone oozes production value throughout every minute. The first episode delivers the shock value and sets the premise; further episodes flesh out characters that seem a bit one-dimensional at first. Give this show a try. I am ten billion percent sure you will not regret it.
5. Vinland Saga Episode 24 (End of the Prologue)
Vinland Saga had a lot of plot twists during its first season. Not only is it hard to decide who the actual main character is, but we also find out in this episode that the whole season was only the prologue to the story. No wonder this episode stole the fifth spot of this list in the very last week of the year. We can’t wait to see what the future brings for this show!
Watch Vinland Saga legally with a free trial on Amazon Prime (affiliate link)
4. Mob Psycho 100 Season 2, Episode 13 (Boss Fight ~The Final Light~)
Who would think the mangaka often criticized for his art would see an anime adaptation with some of the best-animated episodes of the season? Mob Psycho’s season finale very narrowly beats out its fifth episode, and, needless to say, both are a must-watch. As is the rest of the season by the way, and its first season. Just watch all of it. Now. The guys at Studio Bones really outdid themselves for sure, but you shouldn’t underestimate mangaka ONE’s contribution either. What he lacks in traditional artistic talent he more than makes up for in scene composition, facial expressions and mood setting.
3. Kaguya-Sama, Love Is War Episode 12 (I Can’t Hear the Fireworks, Part 2 / Kaguya Doesn’t Want To Avoid Him)
A crazy anime season ends with an even more insane ending. This show may not be for everyone, but its quality is undeniable. The overseas hype for this show is incredible, with fans feverishly following page-by-page translations. The situation in Japan isn’t much different, with many shops playing Kaguya-Sama on loop. Unsurprisingly, it didn’t take long until a second season was announced. According to the manga readers, things will only get better from here on out…
2. Demon Slayer (Kimetsu No Yaiba) Episode 19 (Hinokami)
Kimetsu no Yaiba doesn’t do anything extraordinarily out of the box, but its charming story and eye for detail make it a favorite of many anime fans. Every episode has top-notch quality, but episode 19 is really out of this world. You could easily find over a dozen stills to turn into a beautiful wallpaper in this episode.
1. Attack on Titan Season 3 Part 2, Episode 5 (Hero)
Is it truly a surprise that the highest-rated episode of the season features a lot of Levi? This episode offers so much more, however, from action-packed moments to sacrifices to suspense. The next part of the story has a bit less action and a lot more intrigue, which receives a little less critical acclaim. That means the next season may not dominate the charts as this one did, but there is no doubt in my mind we can look forward to another high-quality production.